Fatal fireworks accidents, hooliganism spark chaos across Germany on New Year’s eve

At least five people have died in Germany due to careless handling of fireworks during New Year celebrations, with more than 300 arrests reported in Berlin.

Throughout the New Year's Eve and night, a series of incidents involving fireworks took place in German cities, including several where emergency services personnel were injured, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

As of the morning of January 1, five fatalities have been confirmed as a result of mishandling of fireworks. In the town of Gevelsberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, a 24-year-old man died following the explosion of a firecracker. Police suspect the firecracker may have been homemade.

Two older men, aged 45 and 50, died while setting off fireworks in two different cities in Saxony.

Other fatal fireworks-related incidents occurred in Brandenburg.

In Berlin, several young people suffered serious hand injuries, including amputations, due to firecracker explosions. By 1 a.m., eight people with such injuries had been taken to a specialized hospital.

In Leipzig, large groups of young people held rowdy New Year celebrations, throwing fireworks at one another and at passing cars and trams. The police had to intervene and block streets. Dozens of youths attacked officers with fireworks and bottles.

In Hamburg, a large crowd of hooligans began throwing fireworks at a fire brigade that had arrived to extinguish a burning waste bin. The firefighters were forced to leave.

Berlin police believe that despite hundreds of call-outs, the New Year's Eve passed more calmly than usual, as there were no major disturbances. Around 330 people were arrested throughout the evening and night, with 13 law enforcement officers injured, including one who required surgery due to an injury caused by a firework.

By Aghakazim Guliyev