Woolworth Store in Berlin-Spandau Temporarily Closed After New Year's Night Explosion
A Woolworth retail outlet in Berlin-Spandau has been temporarily closed following significant damage caused by an explosion during New Year's Eve celebrations. The incident occurred shortly after midnight when a spherical firework device detonated on the central market square in the Spandau district, triggering a chain reaction that resulted in extensive property damage.
According to police reports, the initial event began when a pyrotechnic battery was accidentally knocked over, leading to the uncontrolled discharge of fireworks. This subsequently ignited an illegally stored cache of additional pyrotechnics in the area, causing a powerful explosion. The resulting shockwave shattered parts of the Woolworth store's front windows and scattered glass debris across the adjacent sidewalk.
Inside the store, sparks from the fireworks entered the building, starting a fire that could have caused more severe damage. Thanks to the prompt intervention of a bystander who quickly used a fire extinguisher, the fire was brought under control before it could spread further. Emergency services confirmed that there were no serious injuries, although a young girl sustained a minor hand injury, which was treated at the scene.
By the morning of January 1st, municipal cleaning crews had already cleared the area surrounding the store. Most visible signs of the explosion, such as broken glass and debris, had been removed, leaving only temporary barriers and wooden planks covering the damaged windows as evidence of the recent incident. The Woolworth location remains closed as repairs are underway, and it is currently unclear when normal operations will resume.
Local residents expressed concern over the use of illegal fireworks and the safety risks associated with such activities during holiday celebrations. Many in the surrounding community have voiced support for stricter regulations on fireworks to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the illegal storage and use of pyrotechnics involved in the explosion.
The Woolworth store's closure is a significant disruption for the area, as it serves as a popular shopping destination in Spandau's historic district. The company has yet to provide an official timeline for reopening the branch, as structural assessments and safety checks are ongoing. In the meantime, the site remains secured to protect the public while restoration efforts are in progress.
This event has reignited discussions in Berlin about public safety during large-scale celebrations, with calls for increased oversight and enforcement of existing regulations concerning fireworks and pyrotechnics. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to legal guidelines for the use and storage of fireworks to ensure community safety during festive periods.