Five individuals lost their lives across Germany, and a police officer sustained serious injuries due to incidents associated with powerful fireworks that are traditionally ignited by Germans to welcome the new year, according to police reports.
In Germany, New Year’s Eve is marked by an extensive use of pyrotechnics, igniting an ongoing debate regarding the prohibition of the most potent fireworks, especially considering the significant number of injuries reported each year, along with the accompanying pollution and noise.
As stated by spokesman Florian Nath, thirty police officers were injured, including one who was seriously hurt by an illegally made fireworks device.
Approximately 400 people were arrested in the capital city of Berlin overnight, he noted, adding that “there was no significant violence or incidents,” which contrasts with previous years.
In Oschatz, Saxony, a 45-year-old man succumbed to severe head injuries after igniting a “pyrotechnic bomb.”
The police reported that it was a powerful F4 category firework, which necessitates a special permit for purchase.
In the same eastern region, a 50-year-old man died from head injuries in Hartha while attempting to set off a pyrotechnic pipe bomb, as per a police spokesperson.
In the northern area near Hamburg, a 20-year-old man passed away while igniting a pyrotechnic firework.
Additionally, in Kremen, close to Berlin, a fifth individual died due to “inappropriate manipulation” of pyrotechnics, according to local law enforcement.
Three other individuals in the area suffered serious injuries under similar conditions.
