A spate of incidents involving fireworks marred New Year’s Eve celebrations in Germany, resulting in five deaths and dozens of injuries to emergency workers. The use of fireworks remains a contentious issue, with thousands set off on city streets each year despite calls for a nationwide ban.
On Tuesday night, firefighters responded to 1,892 incidents in Berlin alone, with at least 13 attacks on emergency workers reported. One police officer was severely injured after being hit by an illegal firework and is undergoing surgery. In Munich, a wayward firework ignited a balcony fire that spread to the second floor, causing “particularly serious” injuries.
The German Interior Minister has praised the work of emergency services but acknowledged that crackdowns are necessary to combat violence and chaos. The first responders’ union has condemned attacks on public service employees, calling for an end to such behavior.
The use of homemade fireworks is particularly concerning, with many organizations warning about their dangers. Environmental groups are renewing calls for a nationwide ban on the private sale of pyrotechnics on New Year’s Eve.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/01/europe/germany-fireworks-new-year-deaths-intl/index.html