New Year celebrations in Prague pass without major incident

The New Year celebrations in Prague passed without serious incident, although many people broke the ban on setting off fireworks in the historic city centre, police and fire crews reported early on Monday. Fire crews were called to 46 fires caused by fireworks, which is less than in previous years and paramedics treated several dozen people, mostly for severe intoxication. Hundreds of people celebrated the arrival of the New Year out in the streets, mainly on Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square which were packed. A clean-up operation started in the early morning hours and should be completed by 2pm at the latest.