Teen loses hand as Germans begin testing New Year’s fireworks
A teenager lost his right hand after setting off pyrotechnics at a party in northwest Germany, police said Monday.
The incident is likely to reignite the annual debate over whether the country should ban private fireworks displays at New Year’s Eve.
The 17-year-old young man was handling professional quality pyrotechnics, the sale of which to individuals is not authorized, said a police spokesperson.
He was taken to hospital after a firework in his hand exploded Saturday night. Another 17-year-old boy at the party in the town of Lingen, near the Dutch border, was slightly injured.
Every year, New Year’s celebrations in Germany are marked by damage, injuries and even deaths due to the use of fireworks, which can be legally purchased for private use in the days leading up to December 31.
Although last year’s celebrations were deemed largely peaceful, at least five people were killed in fireworks-related accidents and police arrested hundreds across the country as the nation rang in 2025.
Germany’s police union has long campaigned for a nationwide ban on the use and sale of fireworks and launched a petition a few years ago that continues to collect numerous signatures at every turn of the year.
But politicians across the political spectrum have so far been reluctant to take such a drastic step, fearing it could cost them much of their voting base.
