Germany: Five Dead in IED Explosions · Global Voices

Five people died in explosions of improvised during the night in , while at least 8 people – among them three young children – suffered serious injuries and burns in corresponding incidents. The change of time in Germany was celebrated with fireworks and events which remained peaceful, however there were exceptions, with attacks on police, firefighters and rescuers. CORVERSE Five men, aged 20, 21, 24, 45 and 50, were killed in different incidents of explosions of improvised fireworks and firecrackers in Saxony, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Munich three children, 2, 11 and 14 years old, suffered severe burns, when firecrackers exploded in their hands. At Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, where it is traditionally the focus of the festivities, 65,000 people peacefully celebrated the change of time, with a rap music concert. Police however arrested at least 390 people in various parts of the city, mainly for attacks against members of security forces and rescue crews. In total, 15 policemen and a firefighter were injured by firecracker attacks and bottles. Similar attacks occurred in Munich, Cologne and Hamburg, but without injuries. The Bavarian capital was recorded at night at least 110 fires in shops, from fireworks. After last night, the debate on the use or prohibition of fireworks is re-escalating, with the police union calling for immediate measures. Head of the Federal Police Association (GdP) Johann Kopelke again called for the ban on firecrackers, “in order to improve the security situation on the night of the change of year” and blamed the federal interior ministry for rejecting any similar suggestion and transferring responsibility to the states. The abolition of the flares also called for medical clubs, animal and environmental organizations. From the Federal Fireworks Construction Association, Ingo Schubert argued that serious injuries are “practicely impossible” when certified fireworks and firecrackers are used, “even not being properly used” and blamed the smuggling of illegal products, calling on politicians to take tougher measures to suppress it.