Berlin experienced chaotic and tragic scenes this New Year's Eve as illegal Kugelbomben explosions left numerous injuries and significant property damage. Emergency services described the aftermath as resembling 'a battlefield'.
At around 2 AM, police and firefighters were called to the Belziger Straße in the Schöneberg district, where the detonation of one of these illegal fireworks damaged several building facades, shattered numerous windows, and caused structural cracks. A spokesperson for Berlin’s fire service reported, "36 apartments are now uninhabitable, and two individuals were taken to hospitals for treatment," marking the first sobering statistics of the night.
Reflecting on the experience, one police officer stated, "They mistook New Year's Eve for war," articulately summarizing the chaotic atmosphere and fear experienced by many as aggressive fireworks lit up the night sky.
The situation escalated even more frighteningly across Berlin, particularly noted during the explosion incidents at Bottroper Weg in Tegel. Here, amid crowded partygoers, at least eight people were injured, including two critically—one of the severely hurt was reported to be a young child.
According to detailed accounts from hospitals, particularly the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin (UKB), medical staff had their hands full treating victims, with significant injuries reported. A message from UKB noted, "We expect to see even more patients as the effects of legal and illegal fireworks injuries manifest later, often after alcohol effects wear off." Incident reports indicated at least 15 victims were treated for severe injuries resulting from Kugelbomben, with several having had fingers amputated or sustaining severe facial injuries.
Despite the regulatory ban against these powerful explosive devices—designed primarily for professional use—many individuals managed to illegally obtain and utilize Kugelbomben during the celebrations. These bombs are notorious for containing large amounts of explosive black powder and generating far more destructive power than conventional legal fireworks. This night, experts were again reminded of the peril posed by such illegal fireworks.
Nationally, the consequences were harrowing, with reports of at least five fatalities attributed to illegal firework use, including the tragic death of individuals struck by exploding bangers. An alarming pattern was observed with many reports highlighting not just injuries but also the scale of violence and disturbances police had to contend with. Officials disclosed 390 arrests made across the city, with 30 officers sustaining injuries, stepping up security measures for next year's events.
Berlin Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger, remarked on the mixed atmosphere of celebrations, "For the overwhelming majority of Berliners and visitors, it was peaceful; unfortunately, there were also incidents of violence, and revisions to pyrotechnic legislation must now be considered more seriously."
The city had deployed around 3,000 additional police officers alongside 1,500 firefighters to mitigate disturbances and handle emergencies, marking the night as one of the busiest for emergency services.
Despite the chaos, there was also recognition of some parts of the public celebrating responsibly. At iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, safety measurements were put firmly in place, prohibiting the bringing of fireworks, yet re-enforcing the frustration felt by both officials and responsible celebrations over the misuse of fireworks.
The night concluded with the sobering realization of the need for stricter regulations governing the use of fireworks to prevent such tragic occurrences from defining future celebrations, reflecting on shocking events from the last New Year's Eve. The public, safety officials, and law enforcement hope for reforms aimed at minimizing risks associated with pyrotechnics: not just for protecting property but for safeguarding lives.