THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported 211 firecracker-related injuries stemming from New Year celebrations, or about 16 percent higher than in 2022.
The DOH’s Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance 2022 Report No. 12 said 74 additional fireworks-related injuries have been recorded as of 6 a.m. of January 2.
On January 1, there were 137 firecracker-related injuries, or 15 percent lower than on Jan. 1, 2022.
The top firecrackers that caused injuries were “kwitis” with 45, “boga” with 27, “5-star” with 19, and fountain and unknown fireworks with 12 each.
Hand injuries were the most common with 76 cases followed by eyes with 59 cases, legs with 29, and head with 25 cases.
Of the 211 injuries, 106 involved active cases or those that actually used firecrackers, the DOH said.
It also said 36 of those injured by firecrackers were intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Also, 109 injuries occurred in the streets, while 94 happened at home.
By regions, the National Capital Region or Metro Manila had the most cases with 102 followed by Western Visayas with 25, Central Luzon with 20, and Ilocos with 13.
The DOH also said there was no reported case of fireworks ingestion or injury from stray bullets.
The PNP reported three injuries caused by “indiscriminate firing” which the DOH does not automatically count as stray bullet incidents.
