Firework causes casualties in Dutch New Year celebration

A 51-year-old man died and dozens of people were injured in Tuesday night's New Year celebrations in the Netherlands due to heavy fireworks, Dutch media reported Wednesday. The man was killed on Tuesday night when his own fireworks exploded, according to media reports. The exact circumstances of his death are being investigated. In addition, eye specialists said they treated at least 46 people for serious damage and at least eight people have lost an eye due to the injuries of fireworks. The high number of violent incidents also marked New Year's Eve. In the Rotterdam region, 70 people were arrested for assault, and arson during New Year's Eve, Dutch national NOS television reported. In addition, the fire brigade put out 45 fires in buildings and houses and 19 cars were set ablaze. Fire fighters were called out 1227 times. In the Gelderland province, 79 people were arrested for violence, arson or lighting heavy fireworks. In several places, police officers and social workers were pelted with bottles and fireworks.