DOH says firework related injuries 76% lower than 2019

December 30, 2020

With one day before New Year's Eve, the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said the number of firework related injuries this year is 76 percent lower compared to 2019.

DOH has recorded 14 cases since December 21.

 “This is 45 cases (76 percent) lower compared to 2019 and 97 cases (87 percent) lower versus the five-year average (2015-2019), same time period,” it said.

Of the 14 cases of injuries, 13 were due to fireworks and one is due to stray bullet.

 The health department said most cases occurred in Bicol with three injuries due to fireworks and one stray bullet, National Capital Region (NCR) with three firework related injuries, two firework related injuries in Western Visayas, one firework related injury in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Davao region, Central Luzon, and Soccsksargen. 

 Ten of the injured persons were males aged from 10 to 43.

 DOH said eight had blast or burn injuries but not requiring amputation and five eye injuries.

 Seventy-seven percent or 10 cases happened in their homes.

 DOH said eight injuries were due to illegal fireworks, mostly Five Star and PVC cannon or commonly known as boga.

No fireworks indigestion was reported so far. Ella Dionisio/DMS