The Department of Health (DOH) issued a grave warning on Saturday, December 27, 2025, after two separate incidents involving minors resulted in devastating, life-altering injuries from firecrackers. The cases highlight the persistent dangers of illegal fireworks as the country approaches New Year celebrations.
Severe Injuries Lead to Amputations
In a sobering social media update, the health department confirmed that two young individuals lost fingers in blast incidents. An eight-year-old child had his index finger and thumb amputated after being hit by a Whistle Bomb. In a separate event, a 16-year-old teenager lost two fingers from an explosion involving a 5-Star firecracker.
"Two children suffered burns and even had their fingers amputated in separate incidents after fireworks exploded," the DOH stated, emphasizing the severe physical toll of these accidents.
Latest Fireworks Injury Statistics
The amputations are part of a broader tally of holiday-related injuries. According to the latest data from 62 sentinel hospitals, 57 fireworks-related injuries were recorded from December 21 to December 26 (4 a.m.).
While this number represents a significant decrease—49 percent lower than the 112 cases reported during the same period in 2024—the severity of recent cases is causing major concern.
The health department identified the most common culprits behind the injuries:
- 5-Star
- Kwitis
- Boga
- Triangle
Victim Profile and a Call for Caution
A breakdown of the victims reveals that young people are disproportionately affected. Thirty-five individuals, or 64 percent of the total, are aged 19 and below. The remaining 22 victims (36 percent) are aged 20 and above.
The DOH stressed that all reported injuries were not minor. "All those who were hit by fireworks suffered multiple injuries or various wounds and burns in different parts of the body," the department noted, indicating the powerful and indiscriminate force of these explosives.
As revelry peaks on New Year's Eve, health officials are reiterating calls for extreme caution, advocating for the use of safer alternatives to traditional firecrackers to prevent further tragedies and permanent disabilities.
