’Cracker injuries hit all-time low

By Charina Clarisse L. Echaluce, Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos, Elena L. Aben, and AFP Stray bullets and exploding firecrackers killed three and injured hundreds around the country amid the traditional riotous New Year celebrations, officials said yesterday. But the Department of Health (DOH) said the number of firecracker-related injuries recorded during the revelry was an all-time low. In Sta. Mesa, Manila, a drunk man died after he embraced a giant firecracker, called “Goodbye Philippines,” as it was about to explode, Health Secretary Janet Garin told reporters. Ronald Vericio, 45, a pedicab driver, of Buenos Aires St., Sta. Mesa, Manila, was already drunk when he sneaked out of his house at 12:10 a.m. yesterday, lit the powerful Goodbye Philippines firecracker and started hugging it. The firecracker exploded on his face and was immediately taken to the Ospital ng Sampaloc. FIERY START TO 2016 – The silhouette images of these residents show [...]