DOH logs 28 new fireworks, stray bullet injuries as total reaches 585

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health reported Thursday 28 new injuries due to stray bullets and fireworks during the New Year festivities. 

The additional cases brought the tally of injuries to 585, mostly due to fireworks. Of the total, there was one case of watusi ingestion and three stray bullet injuries.

The two new cases of stray bullet injuries involved a 28-year-old male from Metro Manila who sustained a fracture in his toe, and a 60-year-old male from the Cordillera Administrative Region who suffered a fractured left collarbone. 

“Let us be reminded that injuries and deaths from stray bullets and “accidents” due to intoxication are avoidable. Guns, fireworks, and liquor should not mix,” the DOH said. 

According to the department, more than half, or 311, of injuries related to New Year festivities were from Metro Manila. The capital region was followed by Ilocos region (58), Calabarzon (47), and Central Luzon (42). 

Ninety-six percent of the injuries happened at home and on the streets, mostly by males who actively lit the fireworks. 

The most common culprits were kwitis, 5-star, whistle bomb, pla-pla, boga, luces, and foundation.

“Illegal fireworks are to blame for just four out of 10 cases (220, 38%), with legal fireworks causing more injuries,” the DOH said.