Hundreds hurt in New Year festivities in the Philippines January 1, 2012 -- Updated 0858 GMT (1658 HKT) The injuries include 454 people hurt by firecrackers At least 18 are hit by stray bullets Manila, Philippines (CNN) -- Firecrackers and gunfire injured nearly 500 people as throngs ushered in the New Year in Manila, CNN affiliate ABS-CBN reported Sunday. At least 476 were hurt during the festivities, including 454 injuries caused by firecrackers and 18 hit by stray bullets, health officials said. At least four people ingested fireworks. The total number was slightly lower than the 546 people injured in festivities last year, officials told the affiliate. Thick smog and poor visibility caused by fireworks forced the cancellation of some flights in Manila, officials said. CNN's Christabelle Fombu contributed to this report