Residents of Groningen were treated to relatively dry skies that were illuminated by fireworks set off from different parts of the city as the world rang in the New Year.
The main countdown celebrations took place at the Grote Markt for the 3,2,1 Gold&New Countdown Show. Local DJs treated crowds to contemporary hits and timeless classics who could also take a break and enjoy one of the activities set up for the evening.
Others who were celebrating at home braved the cold to stand up to 45 minutes in queues to buy the traditional Olliebollen to treat their guests.
While the majority of residents enjoyed the evening safely, the night was not without incident.
Mobile Unit deployed
RTV Noord reported that the police Mobile Unit was dispatched to Hoogkerk at around 20:30 as several fires were raging. The police were then pelted with fireworks and stones.
Roof fire
The Northern Times also witnessed the fire brigade responding to a roof fire in the De Hoogte neighbourhood at around 23:00, with the operation lasting around an hour.
14-year-old dies in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, a 14-year-old boy died after he lit illegal fireworks. A 46-year-old man who was injured in Tiel on New Year’s Eve succumbed to his injuries a day later.
On the 1st of January of last year, 12 Dutch boys had to have their hands amputated due to fireworks injuries. Several medical practitioners believe there needs to be more enforcement surrounding fireworks.
NOS also reported that the number of fireworks victims who have been taken to the Eye Hospital in Rotterdam with eye injuries this year has now reached 27.
