Hospitals across the Netherlands report firework injuries on New Year's Eve

As the new year rang in, hospitals across the Netherlands reported multiple cases of firework-related injuries, particularly to the eyes. In Rotterdam, the Oogziekenhuis treated 17 patients, half of whom were minors. Five of these victims required immediate surgery, and one person faces the loss of vision in one eye. The injuries were caused predominantly by legal fireworks, though some involved illegal fireworks.

At 2:30 a.m., 13 firework injury patients arrived at the Rotterdam Oogziekenhuis. Eye surgeon Tjeerd de Faber expressed frustration, remarking, "It’s the same tragedy as last year." He noted that four or five of the victims required surgery, and one person’s eye could not be saved. "That eye will not see anymore," he said. The youngest victim was a 9-year-old child, and half of the injuries were from legal fireworks. In 25 percent of cases, the cause was unclear, though in at least one instance, illegal fireworks were involved.

De Faber warned that the number of firework injuries would likely rise. "This can only stop with a nationwide firework ban," he said, referencing the lower injury rates seen during the COVID-19 lockdowns when such a ban was in place.

At the Haaglanden Medisch Centrum in The Hague, 20 patients were treated in the first two hours of New Year’s Eve, with 10 suffering from firework injuries. The center's manager, Frans de Voeght, reported that the injuries were manageable, with only one firework injury involving eye damage. This patient was transferred to the city's Oogziekenhuis for further treatment. "It’s not overly busy," said De Voeght, noting that the situation was comparable to a typical night out.

In Amsterdam, the Amsterdam UMC reported fewer eye injuries than anticipated, despite concerns about strong winds causing more accidents. At the hospital’s AMC location, 30 patients were treated during the night. Five patients suffered severe injuries, though the exact causes were unknown. Fifteen of the cases were related to alcohol or drug-related falls, while the remaining patients had non-New Year's-related injuries.

Calm in Beverwijk and Groningen

In Beverwijk, the Brandwondencentrum reported a relatively quiet night, with only two firework injury patients transferred from other hospitals. The center treated a total of 17 patients in the emergency department, including four with injuries from fireworks to their eyes or hands. "It was an orderly night, much like last year," a spokesperson stated.

The UMCG hospital in Groningen also experienced a calm evening, with six firework injury patients admitted, including two with facial injuries. One patient had severe injuries from violence, and several others suffered alcohol poisoning. The situation was deemed manageable, especially after unrest earlier in the evening in the Hoogkerk district, where riot police had to intervene.