The number of firecracker-related injuries in the country has surged to 832 as of Jan. 5, a significant increase from last year’s figures, based on a report by the Department of Health (DOH).
This marks a 37 percent rise compared to the 606 cases recorded on the same date in 2024.
Based on the latest data, 36 new cases were reported on Dec. 31, 2024, followed by 10 on Jan. 1, 2025, and 15 additional injuries in the days that followed.
Moreover, the death toll has risen to four after an additional fatality was recorded in Region 4A.
The DOH said a 54-year-old male, who had sustained severe injuries to his left hand from a firecracker, specifically a “kwitis,” eventually succumbed to his wounds.
It pointed out that kwitis remains the most common device responsible for firecracker-related injuries, followed by other hazardous firecrackers such as the “five-star” and “boga” (improvised cannon).
Of the 832 reported injuries, 491 victims are aged 19 and below, comprising nearly 60 percent of all cases.
Among the injured, 685 are male and 147 are female.