At least 333 people were burned by gunpowder in Colombia between December 1 and 8, according to the National Institute of Health (INS) on Monday afternoon. This is a drop of 14.4% compared to 2024, but this figure could increase in the coming hours. The department of Antioquia is well at the top of the list, with 50 people affected, compared to 24 in Bogotá and 19 in Valle del Cauca. Concerning the timing, the vast majority of cases took place during the traditional Night of Candles, Sunday December 7: there were 231 injured, or 69.4%.
The details of the latest assessment indicate that the main injuries between December 1 and 8 are burns (85%) and skin tears (53%). Tote bags, powder devices that explode when hit, top the list of devices involved, with 31.3% of cases. The INS also highlights that there are two people hospitalized in Barranquilla due to white phosphorus poisoning.
The INS especially expressed its concern regarding the 106 cases in children and adolescents (31.8%). “We are making a strong and very specific call not to allow minors to manipulate these devices,” INS Director Diana Pava said Monday. At least 14 of the children and adolescents involved were under the supervision of alcoholic adults. “If the devices are to be handled by responsible adults, they must be trained and not under the influence of intoxicating beverages,” the official added.
The disavowal of local authorities
Antioquia Governor Andrés Rendón expressed disbelief over a war of flares in the municipality of Remedios, in the northeast of the department, that left a woman injured. “They find it very funny to take risks like this and then end up in the emergency room, collapsing the health system. They are looking for their own pain and regrets,” he wrote Monday evening in X. He also announced a reward of 20 million pesos (about $5,000) for those who provide information on those responsible.
For his part, the mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, expressed in particular his rejection of the seven cases involving minors in the city and declared that he would request the opening of investigations. “We’re seeing a lack of awareness, particularly from parents, who are allowing their children to access this, and who are putting their children at risk,” he said Tuesday morning. The head of the Barranquilla Security Office, Yesid Turbay, said something similar: “There will be investigations and it could even lead to the loss of power of minors. »
La Noche de Velitas marks the start of Christmas festivities in Colombia and lights up the streets of cities across the country. The tradition involves lighting candles in front of houses, placing colorful lanterns as decorations and making wishes for the year that is about to begin. However, there are reports of people being injured by the use of explosive devices, such as bags and flyers, cylinders of gunpowder that are ejected when ignited, every year. Hundreds of people find themselves hospitalized with burns, fractures and amputations.
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