By Xander Ledesma
Two separate firecracker-related incidents claimed the lives of a 23-year-old vlogger and an 8-year-old boy during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Cebu province, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Cyril John Remis, a resident of Barangay San Roque, Asturias, died after a firework detonated near his chest. According to initial reports from the Asturias police, Remis had been lighting fireworks with neighbors when a bombshell-type firework failed to ignite. Believing it was a dud, he approached the device, which suddenly exploded, causing fatal injuries to his chest and face. He was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
In Talisay City, an 8-year-old boy was fatally injured, and three others sustained injuries after debris from the explosion of a firecracker known as “Goodbye Philippines” struck them in Purok Kamunggay, Barangay Cadulawan. The explosion caused tiles and rocks to scatter, hitting the victims during the celebrations.
Local authorities are investigating the Talisay incident to determine how the banned firecracker was acquired and used despite regulations prohibiting its sale and use.