The Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) has reported a significant number of injuries caused by fireworks as the New Year celebrations concluded. The latest official data, recorded up to January 3, 2026, shows a total of 138 individuals across the region sustained various injuries from fireworks mishaps.
Provincial Breakdown of Fireworks Injuries
The regional health office provided a detailed breakdown of the cases per area. Negros Occidental province recorded the highest number, with 103 individuals injured. Its neighboring province, Negros Oriental, followed with 28 reported cases.
Bacolod City, a highly urbanized center within Negros Occidental, documented six separate injuries. Additionally, one case was reported from the nearby island province of Siquijor, highlighting that the danger extended beyond the main island.
Severity of Injuries and Specific Incident
The nature of the injuries varied in severity. According to the DOH-NIR, the majority of victims, 72 people, suffered from blasts or burns that, while serious, did not require amputation. There were also 11 cases of eye injuries, a common and dangerous outcome of fireworks accidents.
Most alarmingly, the department confirmed that three victims sustained injuries so severe they resulted in amputations. In a separate report from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), a specific incident was highlighted. On January 2, 2026, a 14-year-old boy was injured in Purok 4, Barangay Sara-et, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Police investigation revealed the teenager, a resident of the village, was lighting a firecracker. He failed to notice that firecracker powder had spilled onto his hand. The powder ignited, causing a burn injury to his right hand. The victim was promptly taken to the Binalbagan Infirmary for necessary medical treatment.
A Call for Continued Caution
The consolidated data from health and police authorities serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with fireworks. The high number of injuries, including those leading to permanent disability like amputation and vision damage, underscores the importance of strict safety measures and public awareness campaigns. While the festive season has passed, the consequences of these accidents will have a lasting impact on the victims and their families.
