Minute30.com .- The tragedy due to the irresponsible use of gunpowder in Colombia continues to escalate. In a new report issued by the National Institute of Health (INS), as of 8:00 pm this Thursday, January 1, 2026, the number of injuries throughout the country rose to 1,419 cases. This data represents a worrying increase of 10.4% compared to the same period of the previous year.
The report reveals that New Year’s Eve was particularly critical: between 2:00 pm on December 31 and the same time on January 1, 391 new injuries were preliminarily reported, a figure that shows the challenge that persists in the regions to control the handling of explosive devices.
Antioquia and Medellín: The focus of the emergency
The department of Antioquia remains the territorial entity with the greatest impact in the country, reporting a total of 182 cases. Of this figure, the city of Medellín contributes 72 injuries, consolidating itself as the city with the most gunpowder victims in Colombia, followed by Pasto (48) and Cúcuta (39).
Departments with the most reports:
Antioquia: 182 cases.
Nariño: 131 cases.
Bogotá: 104 cases.
Norte de Santander: 84 cases.
Cauca: 81 cases.
Minors and irresponsible adults
The concern of the health authorities is focused on the child population. Of the national total, 428 cases (30.1%) correspond to minors under 18 years of age. The most outrageous figure reveals that in 52 of these incidents, minors were under the care of adults who were intoxicated.
Although no deaths have been reported to date, the severity of the injuries leaves permanent consequences. The most dangerous devices continue to be the “totes” (30.7%), responsible for almost a third of the injuries, followed by the flying ones (17.0%).
Poisoning: The danger of white phosphorus
Beyond the explosions, the INS warned about 7 cases of white phosphorus poisoning, a highly toxic substance that is usually found in artifacts such as “volcanoes” or “sparks” and that can be fatal if accidentally ingested, especially by small children.
Despite control operations and prevention campaigns, 2026 begins with a balance that tests the health system and citizen responsibility in each territory.
Surveillance update for gunpowder injuries and poisoning in Colombia
Let’s take care of life. Gunpowder is not a game.#NationalHealthInstitute #INS #LaPolvoraIsNotAGame pic.twitter.com/9snHtKObv6
— National Institute of Health (@INSColumbia) January 2, 2026
Read also: Alarming balance: 1,313 injured by gunpowder in Colombia and Antioquia tops the list of burned
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