At least 171 injured as Philippines welcomes 2013

A man injured by a firecracker arrives at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila early on January 1, after new year’s celebrations. AFP

MANILA, Philippines–At least 171 revellers welcoming the new year were injured in Metro Manila due to firecracker, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

The number was based only on the record of seven hospitals in Metro Manila as of 6 a.m., said DOH spokesman Dr. Eric Tayag.

At the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila alone, 20 firecracker-related injuries have been recorded as of 2:30 a.m. or a total of 31 since the first case was recorded last Dember 24 at the state-run hospital.

Among the victims rushed to the hospital on New Year’s eve were two 7-year-old children–Jerome Oriño and Rayvan Pacheco–who both sustained eye injuries caused by illegal firecrackers 5 star and the infamous piccolo.

A 68-year-old elder identified as Corazon Ananda also sustained eye injuries due to banned firecracker Goodbye Philippines.

At least 13 injuries were recorded Monday until Tuesday, but hospital nurses said several names haven’t been added yet to the running tally, which includes a child hit by a stray bullet.

Radio reports said one was killed, while 13 others have been likewise victimized by stray bullets, and rushed to other hospitals within Metro Manila such as the Philippine General Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, and Pasay City General Hospital.

The fatality was identified as Rangelo Nimer, 4, of Mandaluyong City who was hit by a stray bullet to his back.

Meanwhile, other than blast injuries, several patients were also said to have been injured from road accidents involving motorcycles. Others were suspected to be driving while intoxicated.