Manila: A Philippine official says more than
200 people have been injured by illegally huge firecrackers
and celebratory gunfire despite a government scare campaign
against reckless holiday revelries.
Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag said on Saturday that
most of those hurt were children. Stray bullets wounded eight
people and 197 were injured by powerful firecrackers from Dec
21-30.
Officials fear the number of injuries may rise as
superstitious Filipinos bid goodbye to a year of natural
disasters and economic uncertainties.
Desperate to halt the violent tradition, officials have
warned revellers they risk amputations if they are hurt
lighting up huge firecrackers.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, December 31, 2011, 14:12