Philippines Firecracker Death Raises Alarm as Injuries Surge Ahead of 2026

A 12-year-old boy was killed after his right hand was blown off and he sustained severe injuries to his leg and thigh when an illegal firecracker exploded, while another child was injured in the same incident in Tondo, Manila on Sunday night.

The tragic incident happened at around 8:30 p.m. at the corner of Lorenzo Street and Abad Santos Avenue, according to the Manila Police District (MPD). Authorities said the two children were playing in the area when they discovered a firecracker and decided to light it.

Based on the police report, the children ignited a big triangle, a type of illegal firecracker known for its powerful blast. Moments after it was lit, the firecracker suddenly exploded. The blast was captured on a nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, which showed thick smoke immediately enveloping the two minors.

When the smoke cleared, one of the boys was found lying on the ground with catastrophic injuries. His right hand had been severed by the explosion, and he also sustained serious injuries to his leg and thigh. Responding authorities declared the child dead on the spot due to the severity of his wounds.

The other child, also 12 years old, was injured in the blast and was immediately rushed to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for medical treatment. Hospital authorities have yet to release an update on his condition.

The incident occurred as authorities reported a surge in firecracker-related accidents ahead of the New Year. Two days before the start of 2026, officials confirmed that more than 200 cases of firecracker-related injuries had already been recorded nationwide, many of them involving minors.

Police are continuing their investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage, to determine how the children obtained the illegal firecracker. Authorities again urged parents and guardians to closely supervise children and strictly avoid the use of illegal fireworks to prevent similar tragedies.