Philippine New Year celebrations leave hundreds injured

[EC]

Via the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-25566056

At least one person has been killed and nearly 600 others injured by New Year fireworks and gunfire in the Philippines, officials have said.

A baby was killed by a stray bullet, and a teenager is reported to have been killed by a firecracker display.

The Department of Health says the injuries are up 43% from last year, despite efforts to make the 2014 festivities safer than previous years.

Last year two children died, leading to calls for more gun controls.

The Philippines has a thriving black market in unlicensed guns. The tradition of firing guns into the air in celebration often results in injuries or even deaths.

The Department of Health has called for a total ban on private firecracker displays, instead advocating organised community events.

The deaths and injuries come at the end of a year in which several disasters have hit the Philippines, including a typhoon in November that left more than 6,000 people dead.