BACOLOD City – As the New Year 2020 rolled in on Wednesday, hospitals in Negros Occidental saw the arrival of patients injured by firecrackers one after the other.
At least 26 persons, including 11 minors, have been injured during the New Year celebrations across Negros Occidental, including the capital of Bacolod, as of Wednesday morning.
Based on records released by the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), 16 people were brought to the hospital between Tuesday and Wednesday after suffering injuries from firecracker use.
Most of the victims sustained burns, while several others suffered blast injuries, it added
The same record of CLMMRH showed that one victim had lost a finger after, while another patient which originated from Hinigaran suffered burn injuries in his eyebrow and parts of his face.
One victim from Bacolod also suffered blast injuries after the “Five Star” he was holding got stuck in his hand and exploded.
Another victim, a 40-year-old man from this city was injured in both legs when a can filled with stones and a firecracker exploded, causing the stones and debris to become shrapnel.
It was also noted that most of the victims were minors or those under the influence of liquor.
Meanwhile, records from Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) showed they recorded three incidents of firecracker-related injuries in their jurisdiction, while the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office released data taken between December 24 and January 1 showing 23 firecracker-related injuries.
NOCPPO’s record also showed that mishandling of firecrackers was the commonly caused of the incidents.
The number of people injured by firecrackers is also expected to rise as the records do not include those brought to various private hospitals in Negros Occidental.
Despite the number of firecracker-related injuries in the province, the Department of Health said they recorded a 35 percent drop in firecracker injuries nationwide this year compared to last year./PN
