DÜSSELDORF, Germany — A festive night turned frightening on Friday when a fireworks display went disastrously wrong at the popular Rheinkirmes fair in western Germany, injuring at least 19 people — four of them seriously.
The accident occurred during the event’s highly anticipated closing fireworks show along the Rhine river, where instead of soaring into the sky, several fireworks exploded at ground level near spectators. One child was among the injured, according to the DPA news agency.
Emergency crews from Düsseldorf’s fire department and other rescue teams responded swiftly, treating victims and transporting the seriously wounded to nearby hospitals. The exact cause of the fireworks malfunction remains under investigation, authorities confirmed.
Photos and videos from the scene show fiery explosions erupting dangerously close to the crowd, causing panic and confusion. The fair, one of Germany’s oldest and largest, was shut down early in response to the incident.
“We deeply regret the accident,” said Peter Dietlmaier, a spokesperson for the organizers. “Our thoughts are with those affected and their families. We wish everyone a full and speedy recovery.”
The 10-day event, which attracts thousands each year, features amusement rides, drone shows, and a fireworks finale organized by the centuries-old St. Sebastianus Rifle Club. Officials are now reconsidering whether next year’s event will include fireworks at all.
