NEED TO KNOW
- At least 19 people, including one child, were injured after fireworks went off too low to the ground at a fair in Germany
- Emergency personnel were called to the Rheinkirmes fair in the western city of Düsseldorf on Friday, July 18, after the event’s fireworks show ended in disaster
- “Our thoughts are with those affected and their families,” an event spokesperson said
At least 19 people were injured, including one child, after a fireworks show at a fair in Germany ended in disaster.
According to a report from the Associated Press, German authorities said firefighters and other emergency personnel were called to the Rheinkirmes fair in the western city of Düsseldorf on Friday, July 18, after fireworks went off too close to the ground.
Photos showed the fireworks going off nearly at ground level, and bystanders could be seen lying on the ground at the fair — which took place along the Rhine river — as emergency personnel tended to them.
One child sustained burns, according to the DPA news agency, and at least four of the 19 people hurt suffered serious injuries.
Fire officials told DPA that one of the fireworks detonated at too low an altitude, but the reason why is still unknown.
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The Düsseldorf fire spokesperson told the outlet that a launch container may have tipped over, causing the fireworks to go off.
Around 80 fire officials and medical personnel were called to the scene, the DPA added, and Düsseldorf fire officials said police are investigating the cause of the incident.
Although authorities said a criminal investigation is underway, a police spokesperson told the DPA that the force is currently considering the incident a tragic accident.
“Our thoughts are with those affected and their families,” event spokesperson Peter Dietlmaier told AP. “We wish all those affected a speedy recovery from the consequences of the accident. We deeply regret the accident.”
The Rheinkirmes fair ended early for the day after the fireworks accident, and organizers are still considering whether they will continue the fireworks display at next year’s event, Dietlmaier added.
The fair, which began on July 11 this year, takes place over 10 days, and features amusement park rides, drone and fireworks shows and other entertainment along the left bank of the Rhine. Rheinkirmes is traditionally held in celebration of Düsseldorf’s patron saint, Apollinaris.
Rheinkirmes is organized by the St. Sebastianus Rifle Club, which traces its history back to the year 1316, according to the AP.
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