Two killed by illegal New Year's Eve fireworks

Two people have been killed and several injured by illegal fireworks around the country during New Year's Eve celebrations in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

In Victoria, police are investigating the death of a 46-year-old Springhurst man after a firecracker reportedly exploded in his hand at Hollands Landing, near Gippsland, about 9:30pm.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Andrew Crisp said the incident would be investigated by the coroner.

Deputy Commissioner Crisp told the ABC “every year we put out warnings in relation to illegal fireworks. Tragically overnight, we saw the death of a 46-year-old man down at Hollands Landing.

"A tragic reminder and we feel for the family of this man at this time."

In NSW, a 52-year-old man on the Central Coast died while setting off a large commercial firework at Budgewoi Beach.

NSW Police advised that he suffered serious head injuries and despite the efforts of family and paramedics could not be revived.

Police said the man was with his wife and friends when the accident happened and when emergency services arrived, the man's wife was extremely distressed.

NSW Police Chief Inspector Colin Lott said she was transported to Wyong Hospital for treatment, stating "obviously his family are going to remember this for the rest of their lives. No-one wants to lose a loved one at any time and on New Year's Day especially.

Police forensic experts have finished examining the scene, and the man's wife and friends will be interviewed over the next few days as officers investigate the circumstances leading up to his death.

Chief Inspector Lott added “this gentleman actually had this firework for some time, potentially up to 10 years and had discussed with his friends on the evening that it was time to light it to try it out.

"Obviously it could have been avoided — if he had not taken it upon himself to use the firework, it was an illegal act in itself, he would be with us today."

Police are still investigating whether he had a licence, but said it was unlikely.

Chief Inspector Lott said the death was a timely reminder that people should not take unnecessary risks.

Chief Inspector Lott concluded “during the holiday period, whether it be driving or enjoying themselves on the beach, that safety must come first.

"They have to keep in mind their own safety and the people around them and not to take… unnecessary risks during this period."

Another man at Blue Haven, about eight kilometres west of Budgewoi, sustained serious eye injuries while attempting to light a firework at 12:20am.

The firework exploded, burning the 19-year-old's face.

A teenager was also hurt by fireworks at South Morang, in Melbourne's north-east, while paramedics treated three men in their 20s for burns after an aerosol can exploded in a fire at Cobram, in northern Victoria.

In Queensland, a woman was injured by fireworks on North Stradbroke Island.

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