Germany’s New Year celebrations in 2025 featured vibrant fireworks but were overshadowed by at least five fatalities linked to firecracker incidents and assaults on emergency personnel. In Berlin, law enforcement reported over 400 arrests, with numerous injuries among police and firefighters. Major cities like Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne experienced varying degrees of chaos, prompting discussions about the regulation of fireworks. Federal officials emphasized the need for a firm response to violence, while debates over potential bans on fireworks intensified.
Germany Celebrates New Year with Fireworks and Mixed Outcomes
As Germany welcomed the year 2025, the skies lit up with dazzling fireworks. Across the nation, many authorities reported a ‘peaceful New Year’s Eve.’ Unfortunately, this celebration was marred by at least five tragic deaths linked to firecracker accidents and assaults on emergency personnel.
In cities throughout Germany, vibrant celebrations marked the arrival of the new year. While the majority of festivities unfolded without incident, some areas experienced chaos, especially in the four largest cities.
Berlin: A Night of Celebration and Conflict
In Berlin, law enforcement made over 400 arrests for various offenses. A preliminary report from the Interior Administration noted that 37 police officers and one firefighter sustained injuries, with one police officer seriously hurt—likely due to an illegal firework. This was a notable increase compared to the previous year, where 54 officers were reported injured.
In the Schöneberg district, illegal fireworks, specifically ball bombs, resulted in serious injuries to five individuals and caused significant damage to buildings. According to the fire department, 36 apartments became temporarily uninhabitable due to the damage.
“While the majority of Berliners and visitors enjoyed a peaceful New Year’s Eve,” remarked spokesperson Spranger, “the reckless acts that harmed bystanders and emergency responders are unacceptable. These need to be thoroughly investigated and addressed.” The report also indicated that several officers faced injuries while managing the celebrations.
The Berlin fire department responded to an astonishing 1,892 incidents between 7 PM and 6 AM during the New Year festivities, marking an increase of 294 incidents compared to the previous year. This included 825 fire-related emergencies and 847 medical service calls. Alarmingly, emergency personnel faced attacks in 13 instances.
Adding to the challenges, a water main break left hundreds of thousands of residents without drinking water for one to two hours starting at 8 PM, compounding the difficulties on New Year’s Eve.
Incidents Across Major Cities
In Hamburg, initial reports described the night as “largely uneventful,” despite some incidents at popular gathering spots like Landungsbrücken and St. Pauli. However, there were reports of individuals shooting fireworks at emergency services in the Steilshoop district, fortunately without injuries reported.
In Munich, tensions escalated as emergency responders were attacked by groups of 200 to 300 people at a popular party location. Fireworks were directed at police, resulting in injuries to five officers. Overall, Munich authorities logged 710 incidents, including 110 related to fireworks and several cases of bodily harm.
Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city, also faced similar challenges, with police and fire services being targeted with fireworks leading to injuries among officers.
Despite these disturbances, the majority of celebrations across the nation remained peaceful, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. Reports from Stuttgart noted that the Schlossplatz turned into a festive area, maintaining a calm and enjoyable atmosphere.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that most regions in Germany experienced a joyful start to the new year. However, she advocated for swift action against the violent acts that did occur, highlighting the need for a firm response against offenders.
Tragic Loss of Life and Debate Over Fireworks
This New Year’s Eve also saw tragic consequences due to illegal or improperly used fireworks, resulting in at least five fatalities. Two individuals lost their lives in Saxony from mishandled fireworks. In North Rhine-Westphalia, a 24-year-old died following a firecracker explosion, and a homemade firecracker claimed another life in Hamburg. Additionally, a 21-year-old in Brandenburg was killed due to a New Year’s firecracker accident.
The issue of fireworks safety sparked discussions regarding the potential for a ban. Incidents of fireworks being intentionally directed at individuals were also reported, including an alarming case in Bonn where a rocket was aimed at a sleeping homeless man.
Jochen Kopelke, the chairman of the police union, voiced strong opposition to the unrestricted sale of fireworks, calling for a reevaluation of regulations surrounding their use. He expressed concern over the increasing power of firecrackers being utilized in urban areas.
In contrast, the Federal Association of Pyrotechnics dismissed calls for a ban as a “political smokescreen,” attributing the accidents to the illegal fireworks market and urging stricter enforcement against it.