Fireworks injuries far more severe this year than previous New Year’s, surgeons say
Sixteen fireworks-related injuries were reported at emergency rooms in Twente hospitals between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with the severity of injuries significantly worse than in previous years, primarily caused by illegal fireworks, according to hospital officials.
“The number of patients isn’t extremely high, but the injuries are much more severe than in previous years. Several people were hit in the face by exploding shells,” said Sander van Stigt, a trauma surgeon at Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST) in Enschede.
Van Stigt, who worked 25 consecutive hours during the New Year’s period, reported treating nine fireworks victims at MST’s emergency department. Additional patients with severe eye injuries were seen directly by ophthalmologists. Victims suffered fractures, severe burns, and permanent eye damage, including a young man who fractured his hand and another who lost a finger.
“Realizing that a lost eye won’t come back and that the damage is permanent is devastating for patients. As a team, we did what we could to prevent worse outcomes, but what’s broken can’t be fixed,” Van Stigt added. Most patients were between the ages of 16 and 40.
Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (ZGT) in Almelo reported treating seven additional victims of fireworks-related injuries, including two teenagers. Two patients with critical injuries were transferred to specialized hospitals.
“The number of facial injuries this year is remarkably high. Many victims suffered severe burns to the face caused by illegal fireworks, such as shells,” a ZGT spokesperson said. Shells are spherical, high-powered firework.
One patient, a 23-year-old man from Nijverdal, sustained life-threatening injuries when a shell exploded in his face on New Year’s Eve. He was treated at the Isala hospital in Zwolle, a top-tier clinical facility.
The trauma unit at MST also treated victims of a dramatic car crash in Rekken, which occurred during a police chase on New Year’s Eve. The fleeing car collided head-on with a tree, killing the driver. Two passengers were rushed to MST for treatment.
In addition to the fireworks incidents, seven alcohol-related injuries were treated at MST, including falls from stairs and accidents involving electric bikes. ZGT reported treating three patients for alcohol or drug poisoning.
“We handled the situation well, but the seriousness of these injuries—especially those involving illegal fireworks—leaves a lasting impression,” Van Stigt concluded.
