Germany welcomed the year 2025 with vibrant fireworks and festive celebrations, but the night was marred by tragic events resulting from misuse of pyrotechnics. At least five individuals lost their lives due to fireworks accidents, and many others sustained serious injuries across various cities.
The largest New Year's Eve party took place at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, drawing thousands to celebrate with grand fireworks displays. Despite this, the event was not free of disturbances as the police reported numerous incidents of violence and aggression.
Many of the unfortunate deaths are linked to individuals improperly handling fireworks, with reports confirming fatalities include:
- A 24-year-old man from North Rhine-Westphalia
- A 45-year-old and a 50-year-old man from Saxony
- A 20-year-old from Hamburg
- A 21-year-old from northern Brandenburg
Throughout the night, emergency services were kept busy as they dealt with the aftermath of the celebrations. The police received over 710 calls for assistance around the Munich area alone, attending to multiple cases related to fireworks, injuries, and fires.
Incidents of unrest were recorded, particularly in Munich where about 200 to 300 individuals affiliated with leftist groups clashed with police on Wittelsbacher Bridge. Officials reported police officers being targeted with fireworks and glass bottles, resulting in injuries. "Wir hatten vor allem kleinere Einsätze, große Tumulte sind ausgeblieben," reported by the police's spokesperson, highlighting the challenging environment law enforcement faced.
Emergency services reported serious injuries from accidents with fireworks. An 18-year-old man suffered severe eye injuries when a firecracker exploded in his hand, and there were reports of children aged two and eleven suffering burns from fireworks mishandled during celebrations. Similar incidents occurred throughout Bavaria, with emergency responders attending to dozens of injuries caused by the amateur use of pyrotechnic devices.
Besides accidents, the night also saw extensive injuries among first responders. Iris Spranger, Berlin’s Innensenator stated, "Ich verurteile diese Taten aufs Schärfste und erwarte, dass sie konsequent aufgearbeitet und strafrechtlich verfolgt werden," reflecting the outrage at the attacks against police and emergency personnel who were trying to maintain order.
Heavy security measures were evident throughout cities such as Munich and Hamburg, where specific areas were designated as firework-free zones, yet the precautions were insufficient to prevent violence. According to reports, police were attacked with pyrotechnics, and incidents were recorded across several cities, including 390 arrests made by Berlin police alone.
Throughout the nation, the scale of disarray was notable, with Berlin alone facing upwards of 400 arrests related to violent celebrations. Police forces were engaged where crowds of 50 to 80 individuals attacked emergency responders during crisis situations, and similar disturbances were reported around the country.
Fireworks usage also led to significant property damage, with buildings suffering due to mismanaged fireworks. For example, incidents of fires breaking out sparked by rockets were noted, with one man, aged 70, dying from cardiac arrest after his carport caught fire due to errant fireworks. Houses, garages, and vehicles caught fire across various regions, leading to extensive damages and emergencies.
One of the more shocking instances this New Year involved young individuals shooting fireworks at vulnerable victims, including targeting the homeless. These actions drew widespread condemnation and highlighted the reckless behavior observed during the celebrations.
Looking forward, many are calling for measures to be put in place to curb such incidents. The hope among local leaders and law enforcement is for clearer regulations surrounding the use of fireworks and stricter enforcement of existing laws to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Despite the chaos, the celebratory spirit remained intact across many communities, with hopes for safer and more joyful celebrations next year.