Violence and Tragedy Mark New Year's Eve 2025/2026 Across Multiple German Cities

The New Year's Eve celebrations in Germany for 2025/2026 were marked by a series of violent incidents, fatalities, and challenges for emergency responders, particularly involving the use of homemade and illegal pyrotechnics. Most notably, in Bielefeld, two 18-year-olds died due to explosions while igniting homemade fireworks—one on a playground, confirmed dead on-site, and the other hospitalized but pronounced dead later. Authorities reported no initial evidence of third-party involvement in these cases.

Berlin saw over 400 police arrests amid violent crowds, although the overall night was considered less problematic than previous years. Police deployed 4,300 officers, confiscated more than 220,000 illegal firecrackers, and suffered 21 minor injuries from blast trauma amid attacks with rockets and firecrackers. Law enforcement also had to use water cannons to disperse violent groups. Similarly, in Leipzig and Essen, firefighters and police were assaulted with fireworks and faced thrown objects like glass bottles and rockets. In Leipzig's Connewitz area, barricades were set on fire while police confronted aggressive crowds.

Besides fatalities, multiple injuries were reported nationwide, including a severe case near Rostock where a 23-year-old lost a hand in a firework explosion, and eight children suffered hand injuries, some quite serious. Several large fires occurred across Bavaria, with the causes yet under investigation. In Hamburg, emergency responders were targeted with pyrotechnics, resulting in injuries to ten police officers.

Despite widespread violence, some areas such as Munich and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin experienced peaceful celebrations, with thousands enjoying the festivities without incident. The combination of homemade explosives, mass attacks on emergency services, and significant police deployment highlight growing societal challenges around New Year's celebrations in Germany.

Authorities continue investigations into all incidents with a focus on public safety and controlling illegal fireworks usage in future events.