Firework related injuries back at pre-coronavirus levels

In total, 1,253 people received medical treatment after being injured by fireworks during the New Year festivities, according to figures compiled by public safety centre Kenniscentrum VeiligheidNL.

Of them, 389 went to hospital for help and the rest to family doctor run medical centres, the organisation said.

Around 100 people received eye injuries and 11 are now blind on one eye, including an 11-year-old boy. Several dozen people lost fingers. Almost half of those receiving injuries were bystanders.

In total, the medical bill will be at least €3.9 million, the organisation said.

The introduction of firework free zones and the complete ban in 12 towns and cities, including Amsterdam, did not have an impact on the number of injuries, which are back at pre-coronavirus levels.

However, the number of injuries are up over 60% on 2020 and 2021, when the festivities were banned nationwide because of the pandemic.

Excessive alcohol is also thought to have played a role in one in five injuries, the organisation said.