A huge haul of illegal fireworks has been seized just days after a man was critically injured after being hit in the face with a cracker.
SafeWork investigators believe the massive stash of 150 kilograms of fireworks found in northern Sydney was intended for sale or use on New Year’s Eve.
On Boxing Day a 49-year-old man in Werribee in Melbourne was critically injured by illegal fireworks when a cracker hit him in the face.
A huge haul of illegal fireworks (pictured) has been seized just days after a man was critically injured after being hit in the face with a cracker
SafeWork investigators believe the massive stash of 150 kilograms of fireworks (pictured) found in northern Sydney was intended for sale or use on New Year’s Eve
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the seizure came after a tip-off, and said an investigation was continuing.
‘Fireworks are regulated under explosives laws, and SafeWork NSW is responsible for issuing licences allowing their purchase, use, storage, manufacture, supply and transport,’ Mr Kean said.
‘These items are not toys. In the wrong hands they can be very dangerous and capable of causing horrific injuries, including burns, loss of limbs, or even death.
‘Tragically, a 52-year-old man lost his life on the Central Coast last New Year’s Eve after he was hit in the head by an illegal firework.
On Boxing Day a 49-year-old man in Werribee in Melbourne was critically injured by illegal fireworks when a cracker hit him in the face (pictured are seized fireworks)
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the seizure (pictured) came after a tip-off, and said an investigation was continuing
‘That’s why fireworks should only be set off by trained and licensed individuals who know how to manage the risks and ensure everyone’s safety.
‘We want New Year’s Eve to be memorable for all the right reasons – not because a loved one was maimed through the illegal use of fireworks.’
Anyone caught selling, purchasing, or letting off fireworks without a licence could face a fine of up to $27,500 and 12 months in jail.
‘My message is simple: if you’re thinking about buying or selling illegal fireworks this summer, you will be caught and you will face significant penalties,’ Mr Kean said.
The man injured on Tuesday was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the incident at Werribee (pictured is the seizure)
Sydney has spent $7million on its New Year’s Eve fireworks display, and authorities are urging the public to enjoy the public shows rather than use illegal fireworks.
The man injured on Tuesday was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the incident at Werribee.
‘Fireworks are banned for a reason,’ Ambulance Victoria’s state commander Paul Holman said on Wednesday.
A 46-year-old man died in Victoria’s Gippsland region last New Year’s Eve after he tried to blow up illegal crackers (pictured are seized fireworks)
‘If you play with fireworks, you have a high danger of being injured, and those injuries are usually horrific.’
‘You’ll see the incident last night, that gentleman unfortunately is in quite a serious condition.’
A 46-year-old man died in Victoria’s Gippsland region last New Year’s Eve after he tried to blow up illegal crackers.
Sydney has spent $7million on its New Year’s Eve fireworks display, and authorities are urging the public to enjoy the public shows rather than use illegal fireworks (pictured is the 2016 display)