DOH logs 4 new fireworks-related injuries; total at 12

Four more cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded in the country ahead of Christmas Day, bringing the total number of victims to 12, Department of Health’s (DOH) latest data showed Sunday.

Two of these new cases were boys aged 11 and 17 who used piccolo and boga which were considered as illegal fireworks, based on the DOH’s fireworks-related injury surveillance report logged from 6:00 a.m. of December 23 to 5:59 a.m. of December 24.

Meanwhile, the two other new cases included a 23-year-old male and a 49-year-old female who used kwitis at home.

The DOH pointed out that while kwitis is a legal and regulated firework, those that are lit inside houses can harm individuals.

The agency also urged local government officials, as well as the private sector to organize community fireworks displays instead.

“Fireworks do give dazzling displays and loud sounds. These are better seen and heard not at home, but from a safe distance and in the company of healthy family and friends. Community fireworks displays can provide longer lasting, professional, and safer shows,” the DOH said. —KG, GMA Integrated News