Over 240 Filipinos Wounded in New Year Revelry

More than 240 people were wounded in the Philippines when the country welcomed the new year with exploding firecrackers and fireworks.

As of 10 a.m. Monday, a total of 243 were reported wounded nationwide, mostly in firecracker explosions, Health Department officials said.

Of the total, more than 100 persons were reported injured in Metro Manila alone.

All the government hospitals had been put on alert since 6 p.m. Sunday to prepare for much-expected injuries resulting from firecracker explosions.

During the new year celebrations in 1999, more than 300 people were injured in firecracker explosions.






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