Dozens of injuries, several deaths, emergency responders under attack and loud explosions that damaged cars and homes. The annual fireworks party was not easy again.
Anyone who thought that fireworks would decrease after the restrictions during corona and the discussions about fireworks-free zones and bans, was disappointed this weekend. Millions of euros have gone into the air again.
Of course, there are all kinds of disadvantages to this. The injuries to victims and the deaths are dramatic. It is a disaster for animals. Millions of euros worth of damage has been caused.
It is notable that there were several serious explosions this year, such as in Groningen’s Oosterpoort and in Midwolda. In any case, there seems to be more illegal heavy firecrackers in circulation and that is worrying.
The police, fire brigade and ambulance services had a very busy night, like every year. 14 arrests have been made in the North. Emergency workers were pelted in Bedum, Hoogkerk and Eelde. Many dozens of officers across the country have suffered hearing damage.
Mayors, police unions and politicians are falling over each other every year to express their disapproval. The unions believe that responsible parties should sit down at the table about the attacks on aid workers.
There are cities with fireworks bans and fireworks-free zones. It just seems that plenty of fireworks were also set off in those cities and zones.
Despite all the disadvantages associated with fireworks, there are apparently also important advantages for a significant part of the population. The conviviality of watching the fireworks outside together, streets and neighborhoods congratulating each other at night. And one evening a year where you can really go all out. Youth experiencing an exciting night.
There will probably be another debate about the annual fireworks party in the near future. The question is of course whether a ban will work. But it is important to further reduce the damage and the number of incidents.
This can be done by tightening controls on illegal fireworks. And by encouraging young people even more to go to parties instead of causing destruction. The harassment of aid workers must be tackled. Because we should not consider the misery of New Year’s Eve normal.