At least 371 people, including 137 minors, have been injured with pyrotechnic powder in Colombia so far in December.
At least 371 people, Among them 137 minors have been injured with pyrotechnic powder in Colombia so far in December, the National Institute of Health (INS) reported yesterday.
With a cut-off date of Thursday, December 23, of the 371 burned, 234 are of legal age and 137 are minors, the report from the government entity details.
Equally, 67.1% of the affectations are related to direct handling, while 25.3% of the cases have occurred with people who were observing the burning of gunpowder.
Regarding the type of injuries, 89.8% are burns; 63.6%, laceration; 24.3%, contusion; 8.6%, eye damage and 7.8%, amputations.
Until now, Antioquia with 41 cases is the department that burned the most people registers so far this December.
In 2020, in the December season, he left 725 injured, while in 2019 there were 839 and in 2018 the figure was 832, according to INS data.
Call of authorities to prevent tragedies
“Of particular concern is the increase in children (…) who have been burned as a result of the use of gunpowder. In 2020 to date, 113 injured minors were reported”Said the Ombudsman, Carlos Camargo, quoted in a statement from his office.
The defender called for gunpowder to be handled only by experts and prevent families from using fireworks that could result in tragedies.
“We are approaching the celebrations of December 24 and 31 with very sad news, since the number of people burned with gunpowder is increasing compared to last year“Said the official.
The use of gunpowder in the country in popular festivals that are celebrated throughout the year is an old custom, which increases in December and always leaves hundreds of victims.
In colombia, parents of burned children may lose parental authority over their children or receive civil penalties where community work must be carried out for the prevention of the use of gunpowder or fines. (I)
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