Whether it is 771 (based on Business World) or 832 (as reported by the Manila Times) injuries, the fact remains that those temporarily maimed by fireworks in last New Year’s Eve celebrations are far too many to ignore.
Maybe next year, authorities would take more precaution and tighten the noose on fireworks sale and use, as these have no actual economic gains other than sales record (usually with no receipts issued).
For many years, I have seen no actual pleasure in those noisy and pollutive firecrackers, which benefit only the sellers but pose danger to users and the environment (land, sea and air quality).
So with the Department of Health (DOH) reporting on injuries of 771 cases from December 2 to January 2, up 27.6 percent from previous year, it heightens the need to limit the use and sale of firecrackers only in designated areas and not the entire metropolis.
Most injuries were caused by kwitis (rockets), 5-star firecrackers, and boga (improvised cannon), the DoH said citing majority suffering from skin burns with severe cases needing amputations.
The DoH also posted a stray bullet fatality — a 19-year-old male from Davao del Norte province as the victim was outside his home.
Of the 771 injuries, 39 were recorded on New Year’s Eve and nine cases were added on January 2. Most of the victims were minors.
Meanwhile, the DoH reported 638 road traffic accidents with seven fatalities since December 22.
Motorcycles were involved in 452 accidents, DoH said, contributing to a 30-percent increase in road mishaps compared to last year, Business World noted.
Photo Courtesy: GMA News Online
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