While the majority of Aussies enjoyed safe passage into 2017, two people have been left dead in tragic firework-related incidents.
A 52-year-old man was struck while trying to light a firework at Budgewoi Beach, on the NSW Central Coast, suffering a serious head injury and dying at the scene.
In Victoria, a 46-year-old Springhurst man passed away after a firecracker reportedly exploded in his hand near the beach at Hollands Landing, in Victoria’s Gippsland, at about 9:35pm.
At least two others were treated for facial injuries from fireworks during last night’s celebrations, including a man in his 20s who suffered burns when he copped a firework to the head near Warragul in Victoria.
Overall, cops say they’re pleased with the behaviour of NYE revellers across the country.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller had this praise for Sydney’s party people:
“Particularly when we reach peak crowd capacity at 9pm and we had to close a number of the key venues there was still many people on the street, they were extremely patient.
“From our perspective we really feel the community heeded our warnings. They planned the night, they have acted in good faith and really seen 2016 out in a positive way.”
Nicely done, fam.
Photo: City of Sydney.
