100 Injured by Christmas Fireworks in Buenos Aires

More than 100 people were taken to hospital in Argentina's capital, some with serious burns and eye injuries, after they were hurt by Christmas fireworks, medical officials said Sunday.

"We had a 20 percent increase over last year, with 57 patients admitted with severe eye injuries," said Fernando Pellegrino, head of emergencies at the Santa Lucia Eye Hospital.

The Buenos Aires Burn Hospital treated 27 patients with burns from fireworks and firecrackers used by residents to mark holiday celebrations in Argentina's largest city, according to hospital official Miriam Minho.

In the most serious case, an eight-year-old boy was on life support in the intensive care unit with burns on 38 percent of his body, she said.

More than 20 children, including an eight-month-old baby hit with a firecracker, were among the injured.