Over the New Year 129 people were injured by fireworks in Belgium, the Burns Foundation, which keeps track of the figures, has announced. That’s a slight increase compared to last year. Moreover, injuries are becoming more serious. The organisation is calling for a general ban on fireworks.
During the festive period, fireworks accidents claimed 122 victims. The number is slightly higher this year, despite stricter rules in many places. However, there has been a decrease compared to 2023-2024, when 139 people were injured.
Of the 129 victims, 108 are men. More than half are under the age of 18 and a quarter are even younger than 16. ‘This is the first time since we have recorded statistics showing that more minors than adults have been injured by fireworks. We see that these young people often come from urban areas,’ the Burns Foundation reports.
A lot of powerful illegal fireworks
The organisation has seen a significant increase in the number of open wounds to hands as well as severed fingers: 52 victims compared to 38 last year. The reasons for this are the more powerful illegal fireworks that are being used.
Other injuries include burns (29 people), damage to hearing (26 people) and eye injuries (18 people).
Incorrect handling of fireworks remains the main cause of injuries. In 6 out of 10 cases, the person lighting the fireworks is also the victim.
Total ban called for
The Burns Foundation is once again calling for a general ban on the use and sale of fireworks in Belgium.
‘A general ban is urgently needed before more fatalities occur. Young people need to be made aware of the dangers of fireworks,’ the foundation says.