New Year's 2026 Celebrations Marred by Fireworks Incidents and Violence in Germany

As Germany welcomed 2026 with widespread New Year's celebrations, the night was overshadowed by tragic accidents and violent incidents involving fireworks. Early reports confirmed the deaths of two 18-year-old males in Bielefeld, who suffered fatal facial injuries from homemade fireworks accidents. Authorities found no signs of third-party involvement in these cases. Additionally, a 14-year-old boy near Rostock lost his left hand due to an exploding firecracker, underscoring the dangers associated with private fireworks use.

Berlin experienced significant unrest during the celebrations, with over 300 arrests reported by 1 a.m. Police and emergency medical personnel faced attacks, as fireworks were launched at them in districts including Neukölln and Moabit. In Spandau, a bomb explosion caused light injuries to one individual and resulted in more than 100 detentions for fireworks-related offenses. Fire services across the country were also active, responding to numerous incidents such as fires in Hamburg and Solingen.

Public festivities at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and in Munich attracted tens of thousands, with Munich hosting a peaceful event attended by around 10,000 people. Despite the celebratory atmosphere at these large gatherings, the overall night highlighted growing concerns surrounding the private use of fireworks.

Tragic violence was not limited to fireworks accidents; a 67-year-old man died following a violent clash at the Duisburg main train station, adding to the night’s toll.

These incidents have reignited debates about banning private fireworks in Germany. Medical professionals and animal rights advocates are pushing for stricter regulations, citing the serious injuries and fatalities witnessed during the New Year's celebrations. Neighboring the Netherlands, where similar fireworks-related violence and accidents prompted legislation for a total ban on private fireworks by the end of 2026, Germany faces mounting pressure to reconsider its fireworks policies to prevent further harm in future celebrations.