Record number of fireworks injuries during New Year’s, Dutch safety institute reports

During this year’s New Year’s celebrations, emergency departments saw the largest number of fireworks-related injuries in years. VeiligheidNL reported that 474 patients were treated for fireworks injuries, a 29 percent increase compared with last year and the highest figure since the 2016–2017 New Year’s period.

After-hours GP clinics recorded 4 percent fewer fireworks injuries than the previous year. Overall, 1,239 people were injured, a nearly 7 percent rise compared with the year before. This number was last surpassed during the 2022–2023 New Year’s period. Over half of the victims were younger than 20.

Fireworks injuries this year have resulted in roughly 20 amputations, compared with about ten in previous years. During the New Year’s period, two people lost their lives due to fireworks, one in Nijmegen and one in Aalsmeer. Earlier, in November, Groningen also saw a fatal fireworks accident.

VeiligheidNL notes a concerning rise in serious injuries among children who handled unexploded fireworks to set them off again. “There were about 40 such cases in total, with nine out of ten involving children under 14,” the organization said. “These incidents caused severe injuries and were far less frequent in past years.”

The recent New Year’s celebrations marked the final time consumers were allowed to use regular fireworks. Starting next year, consumer fireworks will be prohibited, except for the lowest category, including sparklers and small novelty items like party poppers.

VeiligheidNL’s survey found that the majority of injuries came from legal fireworks. “At least 40 percent of the injuries involved fireworks that were legally permitted this past New Year’s,” says director Martijntje Bakker. She believes people took greater risks with legal fireworks during the final New Year’s when they were allowed.

VeiligheidNL notes that many injuries would not have occurred if safety guidelines had been followed. “Just 7 percent of all victims wore safety goggles,” Bakker says. She expects that next year’s fireworks ban could soon result in “a substantial drop in fireworks injuries.” Over time, she hopes, “a new norm” will develop, further reducing the number of injuries.