A 54-year-old man from Calabarzon died as a result of severe injuries caused by a Kwitis (rocket) firecracker over the holidays, the Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday.
According to the Health Department, the recently confirmed fatality sustained injuries on his left arm from a Kwitis explosion. The Kwitis is considered a legal firework but is still dangerous as it is the top cause of firecracker-related injuries in the country.
The DOH has so far confirmed four deaths due to firecrackers from December 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
As to injuries, the total caseload increased to 832 after 61 cases from various dates were belatedly added in the tally.
The figure is 37% higher than the 606 cases during the same period last year.
Of the 832 victims, 491 were 19 years old and below, and 685 were male.
Aside from Kwitis, the leading causes of firecracker injuries were 5-Star and improvised “Boga” cannons.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa maintained that it would be better if there would be a total ban of fireworks in the country. He also underscored the importance of community fireworks being done by professionals alone to reduce the number of people dying or getting hurt due to firecrackers.
The DOH on Saturday also confirmed the first fatality due to a stray bullet injury amid the holiday season. —RF, GMA Integrated News
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