DOH reports 25 fireworks-related injuries on Christmas Eve
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Christmas Eve that at least 25 fireworks-related injuries had been recorded, one week before New Year’s Eve.
A majority of the victims were children and teenagers, according to the DOH.
This means there have been eight new cases since the tally of 17 injuries reported on December 23.
The DOH noted that the number of cases this Christmas Eve is lower compared to December 24, 2023, which saw 12 injuries.
“Twenty of the victims are aged 19 and below,” the DOH said in Filipino in a statement.
Most of the victims were also male, with only two out of 25 injuries being female.
The DOH issued the following reminders for the public this holiday season:
- Do not use fireworks
- Report those who use illegal fireworks
- Do not pick up unlit fireworks on the streets
- Keep poisonous and flammable materials away from children
- Use alternatives such as horns, pots and pans, karaoke
- Watch community fireworks display
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said it saw a downward trend when it comes to fireworks-related incidents.
BFP spokesperson Fire SSupt. Annalee Atienza noted this downward trend since the COVID-19 pandemic.
She reminded residents that there were designated fireworks areas in their communities.
Atienza also said that community fireworks displays are now being held, providing families with a safer way to enjoy the festivities.
She added that the BFP will be on standby at these locations.
- Latest
- Trending
