The festivity that accompanies the Medellín sky at night left five injured. Photo: Pexels
The celebrations welcoming December left five people burned due to the improper use of gunpowder. Among the injured, three were minors, which generated strong concern among health agencies and local entities, which called on citizens to avoid the use of these dangerous devices.
Rita Almanza Payares, Medellín’s epidemiology leader, reported that three of those affected were women and, although none required hospitalization, all received clinical care due to the severity of the injuries. According to Almanza, lack of supervision and unnecessary exposure to risk situations were key factors in the reported cases.
The authorities also warned about the increase in accidents during events with fireworks, even among those who only attended as spectators. Faced with this situation, they reiterated to families the importance of keeping minors away from places where gunpowder is handled.
“One wonders what a minor under 14 years old is doing at 2 or 3 in the morning at a celebration with gunpowder, or a baby in arms at high-risk events,” Almanza questioned.
The Medellín Health Secretariat indicated that the report is preliminary and continues to collect data from the different healthcare centers. This unfortunate balance once again positions Medellín as one of the cities with the highest number of gunpowder burns in the country.
2024-12-01 23:20:00
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When was gunpowder first invented and where?
## The History and Impact of Gunpowder
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**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving deep into the history of a substance that changed the course of warfare and civilization: gunpowder. Joining us to discuss this explosive topic is Dr. Emily Carter, a historian specializing in ancient weaponry and technology. Welcome to the show, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Emily Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us where and when gunpowder originated?
**Dr. Carter:** Gunpowder was first invented in China, sometime during the Tang dynasty, around the 9th century. Early forms were likely used more for medicinal and pyrotechnic purposes, but the military applications quickly became apparent.
**Host:** How did gunpowder spread from China to other parts of the world?
**Dr. Carter:** That’s a fascinating story. Through trade routes, particularly the Silk Road, knowledge of gunpowder and its manufacturing slowly traveled west. Arab scholars played a crucial role in translating Chinese texts and experimenting with gunpowder themselves, leading to its introduction in Europe by the 13th century.
**Host:** What was the earliest military adoption of gunpowder like?
**Dr. Carter:** Initially, gunpowder was used to create rudimentary incendiary devices and rockets. The first true firearms, called “fire lances,” appeared in China around the 10th century. These were essentially bamboo tubes filled with gunpowder and projectiles, fired by igniting the powder.
**Host:** And how did gunpowder weaponry evolve from those early fire lances?
**Dr. Carter:** Over centuries, gunpowder weapons became increasingly sophisticated. From handheld cannons to muskets, rifles, and eventually artillery, gunpowder fueled a revolution in warfare. Europe saw the widespread adoption of gunpowder weapons in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, leading to significant changes in battle tactics and the balance of power.
**Host:** The Impact of gunpowder on history is undeniable. What would you say are some of its most significant and lasting effects?
**Dr. Carter:** Gunpowder fundamentally reshaped warfare, making ranged combat more powerful and widespread. It contributed to the decline of feudalism, the rise of centralized states, and unfortunately, also to increased violence and destruction.
The technological advancements spurred by gunpowder development also had broader impacts on society, influencing metallurgy, engineering, and even the scientific method.
**Host:** A truly fascinating and complex topic. Dr. Carter, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Dr. Carter:** It was my pleasure.
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