WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT THAT MAY DISTRESS SOME READERS.

By Everest Hala

Three people have had their fingers blown off by fireworks in Tonga. According to the Ministry of Health, they are among several people who have been injured by the mishandling of fireworks in the lead up to the New Year. Injuries also included burns to eyes, faces and hands.

Three graphic pictures, posted by the Ministry of Health Tonga, show the horrific injuries to the hands of three unidentified adult patients, caused by fireworks in the Christmas week.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health released a statement [2] on social media warning the public about the dangers of mishandling fireworks. The graphic post included photos of three mangled hands, one of which was almost unrecognizable with only the index figure intact, with bones exposed.

“Your caution could save someone’s sight, fingers, or even a life,” the Ministry of Health stated.

The Ministry stated that children were among those harmed while handling fireworks.

Matangi Tonga Online has reached out to Health authorities and can confirm that Vaiola Hospital’s Surgical Ward has been busy with doctors performing back to back emergency surgeries today. The fireworks injuries are coming into emergency on top of an existing heavy workload for the department.

Fireworks are widely available in shops throughout Tonga, with some projectiles costing as little as $5 Pa’anga.

The release of the graphic photos has prompted commentary on Facebook with readers arguing for and against the need to publish the gory photos.