Year-end celebrations in Colombia resulted in 1,419 people injured by fireworks from December 2025 to January 2026, a 10.4% increase from the previous year. Among the victims, 428 are under 18, highlighting children's vulnerability. Health authorities urge an end to this dangerous practice.
The National Institute of Health reported 1,419 injuries from fireworks across Colombia from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This 10.4% rise peaked during New Year's Eve, with 391 new cases from the afternoon of December 31 to that of January 1. Antioquia had the highest at 182 cases, followed by Nariño, Bogotá, Norte de Santander, and Cauca.
In Cali, the Public Health Secretariat tallied 46 injuries from November 30, 2025, to January 2, 2026, exceeding the prior year's 42. Among them, 37 men, nine women, and nine minors, including two under five. There were six amputations and one severe eye injury, with 16 bystander cases. Most occurred in public spaces, involving volcanoes, totes, and modified gunpowder. Health Secretary Germán Escobar stated: “fireworks are not a game,” pointing to irresponsible behavior despite prevention campaigns.
In Valle del Cauca, excluding Cali, 14 injuries occurred from December 31 to the afternoon of January 1, bringing the departmental total to 63, up 23 from before. Thirty-five percent were minors, mainly affecting upper limbs. Buga and Buenaventura each reported 11 cases, Tuluá 10.
Cauca ended with 81 burns, 17 more than in 2024, including 42 minors. Popayán led with 13, followed by Santander de Quilichao with nine. Just on the night of December 31 and January 1, 25 new cases arose.
No deaths were recorded, but the severe aftermath stresses the need to safeguard children and ban fireworks in festivities.
