Belgium faced a tumultuous start to the new year as incidents marred celebrations, resulting in more than 140 arrests in Brussels and approximately 60 in Antwerp, as reported by local police.

Despite a ban on fireworks, the night saw widespread non-compliance.

By 1:00 AM, Brussels police had already detained 142 individuals, marking a substantial increase from the previous year's count of 74 arrests during the same period. Authorities noted a general disregard for the Prime Minister's directive on fireworks possession and usage.

In tandem, the Brussels fire brigade responded to 663 incidents, nearly doubling their usual activity. Among the casualties were three firefighters experiencing tinnitus due to explosive fireworks and three civilians, including a city guard, a teenager, and a seven-year-old child, injured by fireworks-related incidents.

Simultaneously, Antwerp's local police made close to 60 arrests during New Year's Eve celebrations, primarily targeting rioters involved in igniting fireworks or causing damages.

Tensions escalated before midnight in various neighborhoods, prompting extensive police deployment. Instances of youths targeting passing vehicles with fireworks led to a cat-and-mouse situation, particularly in areas like Sint-Bernardsesteenweg, Veldstraat, Statiestraat, Lakborslei, and Bisthovenplein. Authorities resorted to using a water cannon in some areas, like Kiel, to disperse crowds.

Significant damage was reported to a police vehicle in Kiel, where makeshift blockades with scooters and bicycles hindered police operations. Law enforcement utilized an armored vehicle to clear these obstructions.

In Ghent, the ban on fireworks saw little compliance, with numerous incidents recorded across the city. The Van Beverenplein area was temporarily closed to address troublemakers, and an episode involving a car set on fire near Dracuna Square was also reported. Photo by Kevin.B, Wikimedia commons.