DOH logs 85 more fireworks-related injuries during New Year 2023 celebration

Eighty-five new cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded during the celebration of the New Year, the Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday.

In a press conference, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the total number of fireworks-related injuries reported from December 21, 2022 to January 1, 2023 was 137.

This was 15% lower than the 162 cases recorded in 2021, and 46% lower compared to the five-year average of 256 cases during the same time period.

Based on the agency’s latest fireworks-related injury surveillance report, 64 of these cases came from the National Capital Region (NCR).

Sixteen were logged from the Western Visayas, and 12 from Central Luzon.

There were 10 cases in the Ilocos Region, nine in Bicol Region, seven in Calabarzon, five in Cagayan Valley, four in Soccsksargen, and three in Central Visayas.

Two cases each were also recorded in Mimaropa and Davao Region, and one each in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Forty-nine of these cases sustained injuries on the hand, 41 on the eye, 20 on the legs, 14 on the head, and 11 on the thigh. Six of these cases had blast or burn injuries that required amputation.

Vergeire said 71 victims got their injuries on the street, while 62 at home.

“Kumpara noong nakaraang taon, mas maraming kaso ang naitala sa kalsada kaysa sa bahay ngayong taon. Marahil dahil ito sa increased mobility at pagluwag ng ating mga COVID restrictions,” she explained.

(Compared to last year, more cases were recorded on the road than at home this year. This may be due to the increased mobility and easing of our COVID restrictions.)

Twenty-three of the reported cases were also allegedly intoxicated with alcohol at the time of the accident.

The top fireworks involved were boga, kwitis, 5-star, whistle bomb, and super lolo. Boga and 5-star are considered as illegal fireworks.

There were no reports of firework ingestions so far, according to the DOH. —KG, GMA Integrated News