Berlin Sees Hundreds Arrested and Police Injuries Amid Intense New Year's Eve Celebrations

On New Year's Eve 2026, Berlin experienced a night marked by significant police activity, numerous arrests, and multiple incidents involving fireworks-related injuries. The Berlin police deployed a substantial force of 4,300 officers to oversee the celebrations, particularly around the Brandenburg Gate. Despite a calm atmosphere compared to previous years, approximately 400 individuals were temporarily arrested, mainly for fireworks-related offenses and violence against emergency personnel.

The night was marred by aggressive attacks on police officers, with 21 officers sustaining minor injuries from firecracker explosions and confrontations. The Accident Hospital in Berlin treated 25 patients suffering severe hand injuries, including amputations, with eight of the injured being children. These injuries highlight the dangerous misuse of pyrotechnics during the festivities.

While Berlin bore the brunt of enforcement efforts, other German cities also reported serious incidents. In Bielefeld, two 18-year-olds died due to accidents involving homemade fireworks, and a 23-year-old near Rostock lost his hand after an exploding firecracker. A 16-year-old girl in Leipzig was severely injured attempting to ignite a banned firework. Firefighters also faced challenges across Germany, including in Bremen-Tenever where they were obstructed while extinguishing a daycare fire, and in Erfurt where historic rooftops caught fire, suspected to have been caused by fireworks.

Despite these troubling events, large-scale public celebrations continued with thousands attending events at the Brandenburg Gate, Hamburg harbor, and Munich's city center. Police authorities emphasized that, unlike in previous years, no major clashes broke out, attributing this to a strong police presence and rapid response to incidents.

A Berlin police spokesperson noted the complexity of managing the night but underscored the overall relative calm. These observations are especially significant given the widespread illegal fireworks use and violent incidents reported in various regions. Authorities continue to evaluate the situation to enhance safety measures for future celebrations.