Accident During Traditional Fireworks: 19 Injured at Düsseldorf's Rhine Fair - Possible Cause Identified

An incident involving a firework at the Rhine Fair in Düsseldorf has resulted in injuries to 19 individuals, prompting investigations by the criminal police regarding the cause of the explosion. According to authorities, the firework detonated at ground level instead of ascending into the sky, leading to four serious injuries, including that of a child.

The police spokesperson indicated that the accident appears to be a tragic mishap, with preliminary evidence suggesting that a toppled launch container may have contributed to the firework exploding at a low altitude. This conclusion is supported by various videos captured during the event.

The condition of the injured individuals remains stable, as confirmed by both the fire department and the police. Among the 19 injured, four were transported to hospitals with severe injuries, including the aforementioned child who suffered burns.

Following the accident, the event organizers decided to end the festivities for the evening at around 10:45 PM, despite the fair's original schedule allowing operations until the early hours. In a statement, they expressed deep regret over the incident and indicated that they would need to consider whether to continue the tradition of the fireworks display in future years.

A significant response was mounted by emergency services, with approximately 80 personnel deployed to the scene. The emergency operation lasted around two hours, with the last patient being taken to the hospital roughly one hour after the explosion. Reports indicate that only some of the injured were admitted to medical facilities.

The fair, which began a week prior to the incident, is set to conclude this Sunday. It garnered attention earlier with the announcement of Germany's largest drone show, featuring a coordinated display of 1,000 drones creating large-scale illuminated sculptures in the night sky. This show took place on the first Saturday of the festival and again on the following Friday evening, immediately preceding the traditional fireworks display.

The Rhine Fair, celebrated for over 700 years, is organized by the St. Sebastianus Shooting Society to honor the name day of their patron saint, St. Apollinaris, on July 23. Over the ten-day festival, more than 300 vendors showcase their attractions and stalls across a spacious festival area of approximately 165,000 square meters, located on the left bank of the Rhine directly opposite Düsseldorf's old town.