Minister calls for caution when handling fireworks

A few days before the New Year, Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter is calling for fireworks to be handled with care. "For many people, New Year's Eve fireworks are part of a successful New Year. But safety always comes first," said the SPD politician. Firework fans should only set off tested fireworks and handle them responsibly. "Our goal is for all Saxons to start the new year healthy and happy - without any avoidable accidents," said Panter.

In recent years, there have always been firework-related deaths on New Year's Eve in Saxony. Two men died at the turn of the year 2024/25. A 45-year-old from Oschatz had set off a large firework bomb. In Hartha in central Saxony, a 50-year-old man died while handling pyrotechnics that required a permit. At the turn of the year 2023/24, a 22-year-old died in Upper Lusatia after setting off a ball bomb.

Every New Year's Eve, there are also serious injuries and countless cases of property damage caused by firecrackers being used to blow up letterboxes or windows.