The New Year's Eve celebrations across Germany were marred by numerous injuries and incidents related to the misuse of fireworks. Several individuals, including children, suffered severe injuries, notably from firecrackers and powerful 'kugelbomben', leading to significant hospitalizations. The Berlin accident and emergency facilities reported treating 35 serious cases, with some individuals almost losing their lives or suffering permanent disabilities.
Besides personal injuries, fireworks caused substantial property damage. In locations like Leipzig and Erfurt, explosions and fires resulted in extensive damages to vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure. Furthermore, there were aggressive attacks on emergency services, especially in Hamburg, prompting calls from police unions and politicians for stricter regulations and penalties.
The chaos has ignited a debate over the sale of fireworks. Some political factions, such as the Greens in Berlin, are advocating for a ban on the sale of private fireworks, suggesting alternatives like organized displays. The events have highlighted the urgent need for better safety measures and stricter enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the dust settles, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and supporting emergency personnel amid the New Year festivities.
