Serious hunting accident - investigation against mayor

The mayor of Brand-Erbisdorf (Central Saxony district) is said to have seriously injured a man in a hunting accident. According to the police, Martin Antonow (non-party) and a 20-year-old man had arranged to go hunting in the district of Langenau on November 1.

According to current information, the 63-year-old wanted to check the loading status of his shotgun when a shot was fired from a hunting platform. The projectile is said to have hit the young man, who was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The criminal investigation department is investigating the mayor for negligent bodily harm.

"I was traumatized by what happened"

Antonov told the "Freie Presse" newspaper, which had previously reported on the incident: "I was on sick leave for two weeks after the accident. I was traumatized by what happened." The injured young man was a friend of the family. "I also very much hope that no permanent physical injuries remain," said the mayor.

In the media report, Antonov said that his gun ownership card and hunting license had been confiscated by the police for the time being. "Mistakes must result in punishment - I stand by that," he told the newspaper. Antonov did not comment when asked by dpa.