Kazakhstan’s healthcare authorities report 63 firework injuries during New Year celebrations

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare reported that 63 people, including 20 children, sustained injuries caused by reckless use of fireworks during the New Year celebrations. Most of the injured were diagnosed with eye burns and hand injuries.

According to regional health authorities, 12 individuals, including five children, were hospitalized, while 51 others, 15 of whom are children, are receiving outpatient treatment.

«All the injured were diagnosed with eye traumas, corneal burns, as well as hand injuries and burns. One patient sustained a wound to the anterior abdominal wall and is in a stable condition with moderate severity, receiving treatment at a hospital,» the agency said in a statement.

The highest number of such injuries, 19 cases, was reported in Almaty, compared to 11 fireworks injuries in the Zhambyl region and six cases each in the Karaganda, Mangystau, Kostanay regions and in the city of Shymkent. In the Aktobe region, two individuals were injured, authorities said.

Moreover, the Akmola, Almaty, Kyzylorda, Atyrau, Abai, East Kazakhstan and West Kazakhstan regions also reported one case of fireworks injuries each.

Before the holidays, Kazakhstan’s Ministry for Emergency Situations called on citizens to follow safety measures when operating fireworks during New Year celebrations.