Five people lost their lives across Germany, and a police officer sustained serious injuries due to incidents related to the powerful fireworks traditionally set off to welcome the new year, according to preliminary reports from the police.
Fireworks are an integral part of New Year celebrations in Germany, leading to ongoing discussions about potentially banning the more powerful types of devices. These debates are fueled by the annual rise in injuries, along with the pollution and noise associated with their use.
This year, approximately 13 law enforcement officers were injured in various incidents, with one officer suffering serious injuries, as reported by police spokesman Florian Nath.
In Berlin, around 330 individuals were detained overnight. Authorities noted that, unlike previous years, there were no significant acts of violence or major incidents reported.
In the northwest region of North Rhine-Westphalia, near Paderborn, a 24-year-old man died after igniting a pyrotechnic rocket believed to have been homemade.
In Oschatz, Saxony, a 45-year-old man suffered fatal head injuries while igniting a powerful firework classified as F4, which requires a special permit for purchase.
In another incident in Hartha, Saxony, a 50-year-old man died instantly from head injuries while attempting to detonate a pyrotechnic pipe bomb, as confirmed by police.
Near Hamburg in the north, a 20-year-old man lost his life while lighting a pyrotechnic firework. Lastly, in Kremen, near Berlin, a fifth man died due to “improper handling” of fireworks, with three others in the region sustaining serious injuries in similar situations.
