DOH reports 16 fireworks-related injuries on Christmas Day

Sixteen new cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded in the country amid the celebration of Christmas, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

The DOH’s latest surveillance report logged from 6 a.m. of December 24 to 5:59 a.m. of December 25, showed that the additional fireworks-related injuries were among aged 6 to 35, with only one female involved.

This brought the total number of victims due to firecrackers to 28, a week before New Year.

Of the new cases, the DOH said 94% took place at home or in the street, while seven of the fireworks involved were legal.

One was also a passive onlooker at a designated area who suffered an eye injury.

Due to this, the DOH reminded the public to let professionals light the fireworks instead. 

“Fireworks used both at or near the home and even at designated areas can still harm even those not lighting them. It is better for professionals at community fireworks displays to do the show, with watchers far away at a safe distance,” the agency said.

The DOH also called on local government units and the police force to ensure the public’s safety from fireworks, citing Republic Act 7183 and Executive Order 28, s. 2017. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News