A 78-year-old man in Central Luzon has become the first reported fatality in this year’s firecracker-related incidents, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The elderly man, described as an “active” user of Judas Belt, was admitted on December 22 and passed away on December 27 after lighting the firecracker himself, said DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo in an ABS-CBN News report.
The DOH has also reported four new firecracker injuries, bringing the nationwide total to 125 as of December 28. This marks a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded 97 injuries.
The majority of victims are children, with 102 of the cases involving minors. Common injuries include damage to the eyes, hands, head, and limbs, with seven cases requiring amputations. Domingo emphasized that many of these injuries result from illegal firecrackers such as boga, fivestar, and piccolo, which top the list of culprits.
The health department is urging Filipinos to avoid both legal and illegal firecrackers, recommending professional community displays instead. Hospitals nationwide are on “code white” alert until January 6 to handle firework-related emergencies.
For minor injuries, Domingo advised cleaning wounds with cool, clean water and avoiding the application of substances like toothpaste or oil. In severe cases, such as amputations, the detached body part should be cleaned, wrapped, and kept cool without direct contact with ice before being brought to the hospital.
“Fireworks are essentially bombs, and using them poses serious risks,” Domingo warned, calling on the public to celebrate safely without firecrackers.
