KwaZulu-Natal – The new year literally began with a bang for thousands of Durban revellers who enjoyed fireworks displays, but hospitals, the Kloof and Highway SPCA and metro police experienced the darker side of the pyrotechnics.

Metro police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said 25 people were fined R200 each for the illegal use of fireworks.

“It was much quieter than last year. This could be due to the weather or more people complying with the city’s by-laws. Last year, 140 people were charged and fined,” he said.

Fireworks may only be used on New Year’s Eve from 11.45pm until 12.15am of the new year.

Hospitals contacted yesterday reported seven fireworks-related injuries, including one person who had two fingers amputated.

Two adults were treated at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Phoenix for fireworks related injuries.

One had two fingers amputated and was admitted overnight while the other was treated and discharged.

King Edward VIII Hospital reported five fireworks related injuries. Three adults and two children were treated for injuries to their fingers.

uMhlanga Hospital reported one incident.

A teenage boy was treated yesterday for burns to his hand. He was burnt as he tried to light a firecracker.

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