Despite massive campaigns against fireworks on New Year's Eve, many people were again injured by fireworks in Italy on New Year's Eve. One death was reported during New Year's Eve celebrations in Naples. According to police, most of the accidents occurred in the provinces of Naples and Rome. 36 injured, including three minors, is the first result of fireworks explosions on New Year's Eve in Naples and its province.
A 45-year-old woman was hit in the head by a pistol bullet and died a few hours later in a Naples hospital. A pistol was confiscated from the apartment where she was celebrating New Year's Eve with ten people. Investigations are ongoing. A 50-year-old Neapolitan woman was shot in the abdomen while watching fireworks from her balcony. Her condition is critical.
Eleven-year-old boy lost an eye
An eleven-year-old boy lost an eye while holding fireworks in a park in the province of Salerno. The explosion from one of these fireworks hit him squarely in the face and caused serious trauma to his right eye. The boy underwent surgery, but despite doctors' quick intervention, he lost his vision.
A 31-year-old Italian man of Dominican origin was killed with a cut to the neck at the end of a New Year's party in Udine.
Black market with illegal bangers
Just before the turn of the year, the black market for illegal fireworks, which often contain large quantities of gunpowder contrary to regulations, traditionally flourishes in Italy and especially in the Naples region. Illegal fireworks were confiscated in several regions, and fireworks were generally banned on New Year's Eve in several cities. Large quantities of explosives and pyrotechnic items were confiscated between Christmas and New Year. Several companies in the Naples region that produce fireworks were inspected. Italian firefighters have been called hundreds of times to respond to incidents involving fireworks.
1,500 people verified
A total of around 25,000 people celebrated New Year's Eve in Milan's Cathedral Square. Police checked a total of around 1,500 people. Six people were reported to the Public Ministry, including for causing dangerous explosions. Hundreds of police and carabinieri were deployed to and around Cathedral Square and meeting places.
New Year's Eve celebrations in the Friulian cities of Udine, Monfalcone and Gorizia (Gorizia) were postponed due to bad weather. Weather conditions were unsuitable for fireworks celebrations and they were postponed until Monday night, said Udine deputy mayor Alessandro Venanzi.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro signed a decree to protect public safety on New Year's Eve. In the old city, shops, bars and stalls were banned from selling and serving drinks outdoors – including alcohol and spirits – in glass bottles, sealed cans or plastic bottles.
Similar measures were also taken in Trieste. Glass bottles and alcoholic drinks were banned on New Year's Eve in the central Piazza Unità d'Italia, where thousands of people gathered. It was also prohibited to bring items such as umbrellas, folding seats, selfie sticks and pepper spray.