Colombia’s National Health Institute has raised to 503 the number of people injured, more than 180 of them minors, due to the misuse of gunpowder during the last few days, coinciding with the Christmas holidays.
Most cases of burns have been concentrated in Bogota, with 55; Antioquia, with another 54; and Cundinamarca, with 21 injuries. According to RCN Radio, these are the areas where gunpowder is traditionally used during the celebrations.
National authorities have urged adults to control the use of pyrotechnics so as not to set a bad example to minors. They have also called to reserve the use of pyrotechnics to professionals and experts.
According to the National Health Institute, 90 percent of the injured suffered burns; 59 percent suffered lacerations; 21 percent suffered contusions; six percent suffered amputations; another six percent suffered eye damage; and three percent suffered hearing damage.
The Colombian health authorities have insisted that they will continue with their campaign to warn of the risks of the use of gunpowder, especially when there are still New Year’s celebrations and regional festivities in many towns in several departments.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
