A teenager has lost his right hand after setting off pyrotechnics at a party in north-western Germany, police said on Monday.
The incident is likely to reignite the annual debate whether the country should ban private fireworks at New Year’s.
The 17-year-old was handling professional-grade pyrotechnics that are not authorized for sale to private individuals, a police spokeswoman said.
He was brought to the hospital after the firework exploded in his hand late on Saturday. Another 17-year-old boy at the party in the city of Lingen, near the Dutch border, suffered minor injuries.
Each year, New Year’s celebrations in Germany are marred by damage, injuries and even deaths due to the use of fireworks, which can be legally purchased for private use in the days leading up to December 31.
Even though last year’s celebrations were deemed largely peaceful, at least five people were killed in fireworks-related accidents and police arrested hundreds across the country as the nation rang in 2025.
Germany’s police union has long been campaigning for a nationwide ban on both the use and sale of fireworks, and launched a petition a few years ago that continues to accrue scores of signatures with every turn of the year.
But politicians from across the political spectrum have so far shied away from such a drastic measure amid fears that it might cost them a large share of their voter base.