Fire station chaos: two dead and numerous police missions!

The sale of fireworks in retail has been allowed in Germany since December 28, 2024. On Sunday, police forces in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland had to deploy due to the improper handling of firecrackers. In the Rhineland-Palatinate Miehlen, a firecracker exploded under an uninvolved vehicle, which caused the St. Goarshausen police to look for the alleged perpetrator and the affected vehicle. In addition, in Schmelz and Lebach (district of Saarlouis) Böller from moving cars were thrown on other road users, which according to police reports caused additional dangers.

The alleged driver in one of these incidents was found in a search and the police secured the fireworks. An investigation into road traffic was initiated against him. However, burning the fireworks is only permitted from December 31st.

tragic incident in Koblenz

In connection with the use of fireworks, there was a tragic incident on New Year's Eve in Koblenz. An 18-year-old died through the explosion of a fireworks body, which led to the investigation by the public prosecutor's office against a accused of the same age because of negligent killing. The accused is said to have left the fireworks to the deceased, which belongs to the F4 category. This category includes particularly dangerous special fireworks, which may only be sold to people aged 21 and over with the appropriate expertise.

The public prosecutor also examines possible violations of the explosive law. At the time of the incident, the accused was also 18 years old. Due to the age of the two participants, no further information was given. The deceased 18-year-old had ignited the fireworks in the Rübenach district, was seriously injured and, despite attempts at resuscitation, died shortly afterwards from the consequences of the explosion, as SWR.de reported.