|  The Red Cross and the DYA (roadside assistance association) had to deal with 23 injured people last night as a result of Elche's Nit de l'Albā celebrations, during which over 1000 kg of gunpowder were exploded.
Two of the injured people had to be taken to Elche's Hospital General.
During the Nit de l'Albā the people of Elche throw fireworks, bangers, fire crackers and Catherine wheels in a vertiable fiesta of fire, smoke and gunpowder, with its inevitable risks for participants and onlookers alike.
Despite the fact that everyone taking part has to be inside an enclosed area and wear protective clothing (inlcuding boots, hats and gloves) to prevent burns to the body from the exploding fireworks, the devices are often unpredictable once lit and injuries are almost inevitable and one young person was hospitalised after a firework exploded in his face.
Elche's councillor for public safety, Emilio Martínez, confirmed that the number of people treated by the emergency services this year (23) was considerably lower than the 88 treated last year. |
