The community of Remedios in Antioquia is worried after an incident involving fireworks. According to footage shared on social media, some youths were playing with sparklers and almost caused a tragedy. At the same time, local authorities are increasing their campaigns and sanctions to stop the use of gunpowder, which increases during the holidays.
The incident occurred when a group of young people confronted each other by throwing flares from corner to corner on a street in the community in a practice that residents say is repeated every December.. The videos shared on the networks show how the participants try to influence their opponents, who protect themselves with bags to avoid burns. The flares hit the young people’s bodies several times, indicating the high risk of the activity.
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Amid the confrontation, residents of the area sought refuge in their homes, but this was not enough to prevent damage. Three people, including two children under the age of four, sought shelter in a commercial space. However, One of the flares entered the restaurant, hit the leg of a woman sitting on the floor, exploded and left a trail of smoke.. Fortunately, the minors were uninjured, although they were emotionally affected at the time of the explosion; In the recordings you can hear them crying because the situation frightened them.
The Secretary of Health of Remedios, Anamelia Ángel Londoño, quoted by TeleAntioquiacommented on the matter, reporting that the woman concerned was the first case of burns recorded in the municipality this holiday season, explaining that she had sustained injuries to her upper and lower limbs. He assured that the authorities are analyzing the videos of the incident to determine the responsibility of those who inflicted burns on the citizen in the business premises..
In addition, he pointed out that this episode contributes to a worrying statistic: according to the government of Antioquia, 33 people have been burned to death in Antioquia so far in 2025, with Medellín topping the list with 21 cases.
Likewise, he explained that in order to prevent such accidents, an anti-gunpowder campaign has been carried out in educational institutions and public spaces since June 2025, with the aim of raising awareness among the population about the risks associated with the use of fireworks. Aside from that, The municipality issued a decree banning the use of gunpowder and providing sanctions for both the parents of the minors involved and the adults responsible..
The Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, together with the National Institute of Health (INS), warned of the lasting effects of injuries caused by gunpowder during the end-of-year celebrations, pointing out that although the use of these devices only lasts a few seconds, the consequences can be permanent. In this sense, they called on the population to avoid handling fireworks, especially by minors, due to the risk of serious burns, amputations and irreversible damage.
According to the official report dated February 20, 2025, 1,354 people were injured by gunpowder in the 2024-2025 season.a figure that, although it represents a decrease of 0.8% compared to the previous period, still causes concern for health authorities. In the regional breakdown, Antioquia leads the way with 150 cases, a decrease of 1.3%. It is followed by Bogotá, with 146 cases, which recorded an increase of 15.9%; Nariño, with 107 cases and a decrease of 28.2%; Norte de Santander with 95 cases, increase of 50.8%; Cundinamarca with 74 cases, a decrease of 10.8%; and Cauca with 72 cases, an increase of 33.3%. The most common injuries were burns (90%), cuts (57%), bruises (22%), amputations (8%), fractures (7%), eye damage (6%), and hearing damage (2%).
Recommendations issued included The health authority insists on avoiding the use of gunpowder during celebrations, staying away from pyrotechnic devices of any kind and only allowing authorized personnel to handle these elements. and immediately report any improper use or unauthorized sale. It also emphasizes the importance of prohibiting children and youth from having contact with or near gunpowder and prioritizing family and community safety in all celebrations.
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