Netherlands to Ban Most Fireworks After New Year "War Zone" Chaos

The Netherlands is expected to join Ireland in banning most consumer fireworks. This follows another chaotic New Year's celebration that caused hundreds of injuries. Last week, emergency doctor Yara Basta-Bos described her Amsterdam street as a "war zone" due to loud explosions. She recalled a past incident where a patient arrived at the hospital holding their own eyeball after a firework accident. Basta-Bos, who leads the Dutch society of emergency physicians, said the recent revelry caused over 1,200 injuries. One-third of those injured needed hospital treatment. The celebrations also resulted in two deaths. "Of course, fireworks are nice to look at," she said. "But the level of damage it's causing in the Netherlands right now is just unbelievable." Other European Union countries are also debating stricter fireworks rules.