Many Feared Dead, Injured Over New Year Fireworks Accidents
Fireworks-related accidents during Germany’s New Year celebrations have resulted in five deaths and several injuries, including one to a police officer, according to a preliminary police report.
Germans mark the New Year with intense fireworks use, which has sparked ongoing debates about banning powerful devices due to injuries, pollution, and noise.
Police spokesman, Florian Nath, reported that 13 law enforcement officers were injured during the celebrations, including one seriously.
Berlin police detained 330 people overnight but noted that “there were no major violence or incidents” compared to previous years.
Tragic deaths occurred across the country.
Near Paderborn in North Rhine-Westphalia, a 24-year-old man died after detonating what police believe was a self-made pyrotechnic rocket.
In Oschatz, Saxony, a 45-year-old man suffered fatal head injuries after setting fire to an F4 category firework, which requires a special permit.
In Hartha, Saxony, a 50-year-old man died on the spot while attempting to detonate a pyrotechnic pipe bomb. Near Hamburg, a 20-year-old man was killed lighting fireworks.
Finally, in Kremen near Berlin, a fifth man died due to “inappropriate manipulation” of pyrotechnics, according to local police.
Three other people sustained serious injuries in similar incidents in the Kremen area.
