Drop in cracker-related injuries

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

There was an overall drop in firecracker-related injuries reported from Colombo and suburbs during the festive season compared to the corresponding period of 2008. This was mainly due to people being educated on the hazards of firecracker-related injuries. However, the quantum of firecrackers lit on the last day of the year was significant as people were celebrating the end of war. Another significant factor this year was the reduction of violence, hospital sources told the Sunday Observer.

Director of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital Dr. Anil Jasinghe told the Sunday Observer that the number of accidents reported on the last day of the year was fewer compared to the previous year. He said of the 143 persons who had sustained injuries, 30 were admitted to the hospital. Of this, 21 were injured in road accidents, while five were injured in brawls and 24 injured in home related accidents.

Meanwhile, a large number of persons were injured due to falls; 44 persons are being treated at the hospital. Another 11 persons had sustained injuries due to firecrackers and five have been admitted to hospital. Dr. Jasinghe said a total of 150 accidents were reported in 2008. Meanwhile, three births, of infants including a girl and two boys, were also recorded following the dawn of the new year.

Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital (Accidents), Dr. Prassanna Ariyawanse said a slight reduction of accidents were reported in 2009 over the previous year. A total of 203 injured persons were treated on the last day of the year of which 67 persons were admitted to the hospital. Meanwhile, 25 cracker-related injuries, 61 road accident injuries and 23 home accident injuries were also reported.

He said there was a significant reduction in firecracker-related incidents. Meanwhile, 19 persons are being treated for violence-related incidents, he said.