Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The euphoria that ushered in 2016 has died down, but firework-related incidents continue to rise.
In fact, four more people were rushed to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC) in Manila on Saturday (January 2).
The latest victim was a six-year-old boy from Sampaloc, whose left hand incurred wounds and burns after playing with a make-shift firecracker called “pillbox.”
As of 2 p.m. Saturday, the total number of firecracker-related incidents at JRMMC was at 104. Out of these, four were due to stray bullets.
But among the victims, it was Jerry Flores who suffered worst as his leg was amputated.
“Lasing siya eh. Hindi daw pumutok yung (Goodbye Philippines) kaya tinapakan niya,” said Dr. Paul Villegas. “May amputation ng lower extremity yung left lower.”
Piccolo remains as the cause of most injuries treated at the aforementioned hospital, followed by kwitis, and other unidentified fireworks.
Meanwhile, one more victim was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City early Saturday, raising the overall tally to 86.
This is eight percent higher than last year.
CNN Philippines Paola Palma contributed to this report.
