One dead, over 160 hurt in fires, firecracker mishaps in Philippines

Filipinos firing off fireworks as they celebrate the coming of the New Year on Wednesday (Jan) in Manila, Philippines. Filipinos welcome the New Year with noise and firecrackers in the belief that this will drive away bad spirits and bring in good luck.- AP

MANILA: One person was killed and more than 160 people were injured in fires and other firecracker-related accidents during the Christmas and New Year holidays in the Philippines, officials said Wednesday (Jan 1).

At least four incidences of fire broke out in metro Manila amid New Year’s Eve revelry, leaving more than 3,000 people homeless, the Bureau of Fire Protection said.