One dead as fireworks injuries rise to 443

INJURIES caused by fireworks continued to increase on Tuesday, bringing the total to 443, according to the Department of Health. 

At the same time, the DOH reported on Tuesday the first confirmed stray bullet injury (SBI) and the first death due to fireworks. 

“The SBI case is a 23-year-old from Davao Region who had a gunshot wound to his left upper back. The first death is a 38-year-old male from Ilocos Region who lit a cigarette while drinking with others near firecrackers in storage. Guns, liquor, and fireworks should never mix,” the DOH said. 

There are 212 new cases, with ages ranging from 1 to 71. Most of the new victims are males (166, 79%).

Ninety-seven percent (206, 97%) of these new cases happened at home and on the streets. Almost half (102, 49%) were caused by legal fireworks. 

There are six new amputation cases, increasing the total to 17. 

There are 122 cases of eye injuries, leading to one confirmed case of blindness. There is also one more hearing loss case, bringing the total to two. 

The DOH began monitoring fireworks-related injuries during the holiday season on December 21, 2023.