Fireworks-related injuries return to pre-coronavirus levels

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A total of 1,253 people were treated for New Year fireworks injuries, according to a tally by the Public Safety Center. Kenniscentrum Veiligheid NL.

Of those, 389 went to hospitals for help, and the rest went to medical centers run by family doctors.

About 100 people had their eyes injured and 11 people, including an 11-year-old boy, lost one eye. Dozens of people lost their fingers. Almost half of the injured were bystanders.

In total, the organization said the medical costs would be at least 3.9 million euros.

The introduction of fireworks free zones and outright bans in 12 towns and cities, including Amsterdam, had no impact on injury numbers, which have returned to pre-coronavirus levels.

But in 2020 and 2021, when festivals were banned nationwide due to the pandemic, the number of injuries has increased by more than 60%.

Excessive alcohol consumption is believed to be responsible for one in five injuries, the organization says.