With the large number of fireworks going off around New Year’s Eve, 16 million euros of damage was incurred by private individuals in the Netherlands. Municipalities that had a fireworks ban in place reported less damage.
Based on figures from the Dutch Association of Insurers, the first claims by private individuals for damages caused by fireworks have already amounted to 16 million euros. The insurers looked at building insurance, home contents insurance and car insurance, and concluded this figure is a preliminary number, to be adjusted when the claims are all processed later in 2025.
Last year, the preliminary claims totalled 8 million euros, with the final amount reaching 12,7 euros. This indicates that the final amount this year could be significantly higher than estimated.
Despite there being a fireworks ban in 19 municipalities for 2024, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, many municipalities still racked up thousands of euros in damages.
The city of Amsterdam reported over 350.000 euros in damages this year from fireworks - around 70.000 euros more than last year, reported AT5. This was mainly due to the destruction of rubbish bins, underground containers, bus and tram stops, parking meters and traffic signs.
According to the insurance organisation, people living in municipalities with a fireworks ban experienced less damage to houses than those without bans this time around. While the number of claims for damages to cars was higher than average in both cases.
As property damage and personal injuries recur every New Year, more and more people are calling for a national ban on consumer fireworks in the Netherlands. Mayors from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, as well as the chief of police put in their support for a ban following several serious incidents including those that resulted in the deaths of two Dutch residents, one of which was a 14-year-old child.
The Dutch Hospital Association (NVZ) also expressed support stating that while hospitals saw fewer injuries from fireworks this time, the number was still high at more than 1.100 victims and the number of serious injuries and children needing medical care is concerning. "The fireworks tradition has an important dark side that is completely avoidable and has a lasting impact on the victims, often bystanders. It costs human lives and unnecessary healthcare money," said NVZ.
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