A senior citizen died due to firecracker-related injuries, the Department of Health (DoH) reported Saturday.

The DoH said the victim was a 78-year-old man from Central Luzon. He was hospitalized on 22 December after lighting a Judas Belt, which is among the more lethal firecrackers. He passed away on 27 December.

The DoH reminded the public to refrain from using firecrackers as the New Year celebration draws near.

“Firecrackers, even if legal, are dangerous. They are bombs. They explode. They can kill. Avoid firecrackers for the sake of your lives,” DoH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

More cases seen

Additionally, the DoH recorded 24 more cases of firecracker-related injuries on Saturday, bringing the total to 125.

The DoH noted that this was 29 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Moreover, of the 125 cases, 102 were below 19 years of age; 114 were male and 11 were female.

Ninety-one or 73 percent of the injuries were due to the use of illegal firecrackers such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo. Of these, 75 or 60 percent actively used firecrackers.

The DoH reminded the public anew not to play with firecrackers and avoid those who use them.