German President,
Five people have died in Germany due to accidents involving fireworks during the New Year celebrations, with several others injured, police reported in an initial count.
Fireworks are a traditional part of the German New Year festivities, but their use has sparked ongoing debates about banning the most powerful devices, as they often result in significant injuries, noise, and pollution.
This year, 13 law enforcement officers were injured, including one seriously, due to fireworks-related incidents, according to police spokesman Florian Nath.
In Berlin, approximately 330 people were detained overnight, but authorities noted that, in contrast to previous years, there were no major acts of violence or serious disturbances.
In the northwest town of Paderborn, a 24-year-old man died after detonating a pyrotechnic rocket. Police suspect the victim may have made the device himself.
In Oschatz, a 45-year-old man died from severe head injuries after igniting a “pyrotechnic bomb,” which was identified as a powerful F4 category firework, typically requiring a special permit to purchase.
Another fatality occurred in Hartha, Saxony, where a 50-year-old man died instantly from head injuries when attempting to detonate a pyrotechnic pipe bomb.
In Hamburg, a 20-year-old man died while igniting a pyrotechnic firework. Lastly, near Berlin in Kremen, a fifth man died after mishandling fireworks, and three others were seriously injured in similar incidents.
