New Year’s Eve celebrations took an alarming turn across Naples, marked by multiple incidents involving fireworks, stray bullets, and car accidents, leading to injuries and damage just as the city welcomed the year 2024.
One of the first significant incidents occurred on via dei Tribunali, where unregulated fireworks ignited from the terrace of a building. This incident resulted in flames engulfing the upper floor of the apartment. Thankfully, the swift action of the fire brigade helped prevent the fire from spreading. “Thanks to the fire brigade's action, the building and even New Year’s Eve for the residents were saved,” officials reported as the firefighters managed to extinguish the fire before it caused substantial damage.
By the afternoon of December 31, law enforcement was stepping up their efforts against illegal fireworks. A 48-year-old man from Castellammare was arrested for illegally obtaining explosives after authorities discovered ten homemade explosive devices during a personal and vehicle search. Hours later, two locals, aged 36 and 35, were caught selling illegal fireworks at unlicensed stalls. Prompt action led to the confiscation of 16 kilograms of explosives.
The evening saw even more illegal fireworks sales on the streets, with ten people arrested across neighborhoods like Soccavo and Pianura for selling explosives. One incredible discovery involved 79 kilograms of illegal fireworks found hidden inside the vehicle of a 35-year-old man, alongside several other arrests of individuals, some even as young as 19.
While these illegal fireworks incidents were alarming, the night also had numerous injuries reported due to reckless use. A total of 36 individuals were affected across Naples and surrounding areas, with eight of those being minors. Among them, children aged one to twelve required medical attention due to serious burns and injuries sustained from misused fireworks. Fortunately, their injuries were non-life-threatening, with six being treated at Santobono Hospital. A particularly concerning case involved a 12-year-old who suffered burns to the chest, which required hospitalization.
Tragically, the reckless celebrations also led to incidents of gunfire. A tourist, only 28 years old and enjoying the festivities with friends, was injured when struck by a stray bullet. The event happened near San Carlo all’Arena, leading to his admission to the hospital with non-critical injuries, as authorities continued investigating the source of the gunfire.
Beyond the individual injuries, New Year’s Eve celebrations turned hazardous with crossfire. An event detailed where stray bullets struck residential buildings. For example, one bullet shattered the window of an apartment on via Tolomeo without harming anyone.
Local authorities reflected on the night, which sparked both joy and chaos, leading to 99 fire brigade interventions across the city to manage various emergencies. These startling figures starkly highlight the conflict between festivity and safety.
By dawn on January 1, many residents and tourists alike were left shocked at how the celebratory atmosphere spiraled out of control due to irresponsible behavior with fireworks and other explosives. Authorities vow to implement stricter measures against illegal fireworks to promote public safety as the city pursues future celebrations without similar incidents. The blend of jubilance and peril marked this year's New Year, with the hope for safer festivities to come.