Around 46 fireworks-related injuries were recorded across Metro Manila hospitals on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
As of 2:00 AM on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024, East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City have recorded around 20 cases of fireworks related injuries. (Santi San Juan)
East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), Tondo Medical Center (TMC), and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC), reported injuries related to fireworks, alcohol intoxication, and other holiday-related incidents.
The East Avenue Medical Center recorded 20 fireworks-related injuries between Dec. 21 and 31.
Among the victims was a 61-year-old woman who suffered second-degree burns on Dec. 29.
The Tondo Medical Center reported seven injuries, primarily caused by illegal fireworks such as Kingkong, Five-Star, and Boga.
It also handled multiple cases of gunshot wounds and alcohol-related vehicular accidents.
The Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center recorded 17 patients during the holiday season.
It treated patients with high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and other holiday-related health conditions.
A 13-year-old boy from Caloocan City sustained a burn injury to his left eye due to a Five-Star firecracker.
An 11-year-old boy from Montalban, Rizal, suffered burns in another firecracker-related incident.
The hospitals emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of fireworks regulations and increased public safety education.
They collectively warned against the dangers of illegal fireworks, alcohol intoxication, and negligent behaviors during celebrations.
Health officials urged families to adopt safer traditions to celebrate the New Year, prioritizing the safety and well-being of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Manila Police District (MPD) operatives turned over confiscated prohibited firecrackers, pyrotechnics, and improvised cannons such as “Boga” for proper disposal at the MPD headquarters on United Nations Avenue, Manila, on Wednesday, Jan. 1.