Rotterdam Police confirmed a boy, believed to be 14 years of age, has died after being seriously injured by fireworks on New Year’s Eve
A teenage boy has died after being “seriously injured” by fireworks on New Year’s Eve, police have confirmed.
The tragic incident took place in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, as the Dutch city’s official police account confirmed the sad news on their X account. Their post read: “A 14-year-old boy from Rotterdam died around 8.30pm after being seriously injured by fireworks on the Watergeusstraat in Rotterdam.
“Unfortunately, resuscitation was no longer possible. We wish his family much strength. The police are investigating.”
Crowds in Rotterdam had gathered for the National Fireworks Show, due later this evening. Local sources suggest the firework which injured the schoolboy was a local event, not put on by the local government. From 10.30pm there were expected to be music and “extra screens” on the quays for the large crowds to enjoy.
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One person said of tonight’s accident: “Horrible. We have to stop this. Only shows all over the country. Much strength to the relatives and the involved aid workers.”
Several countries have already celebrated the arrival of 2025. Around lunchtime here the first scenes of New Year’s Eve celebrations, including colourful fireworks screeching high above Sydney Opera House as they are 11 hours ahead of us. However, it is not people living Down Under who are the first to enjoy a fresh January.
It is not Australia or New Zealandwhot make it to a new day first, nor any islands associated with them. The world is most commonly split into 24 time zones (although some say there are as many as 38) and the first given zone is therefore the further in time ahead.
With this in mind, the tiny island of Kiritimati Island – also known as Christmas Island – is actually the first country to see in the New Year. The atoll in the Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Line Islands, which is part of the Kiribati Islands, and is a huge 14 hours ahead of the UK.
