By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A tricycle driver nearly lost his right hand after picking up a lighted firecracker during a drinking session with his relatives at Barangay Sampinit in Negros Occidental’s Bago City, early morning of Christmas Day.

Authorities identified the injured as 45-year-old Rex Gallendo, a resident of the said place.

During a drinking session, Gallendo’s brother, Eduardo, lit a whistle bomb and threw it on the ground, according to police.

However, for some reason, Gallendo picked up the firecracker which then exploded in his right hand.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for medication.

Earlier, the police and the Department of Health (DOH) had previously reminded the public to refrain from using firecrackers this coming New Year.

The DOH also recommended not to use “torotot” or trumpets as these could easily transmit the COVID-19 virus./DGB, WDJ