Police officers in Hoyerswerda attacked with fireworks - New Year’s Eve chaos in Saxony leaves fires, crashes and arrests in its wake
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Saxony led to multiple incidents, including fires, crashes, and clashes with police. Authorities in the Bautzen and Görlitz districts reported property damage, injuries, and arrests linked to fireworks misuse and drunk driving.
The Görlitz Police Directorate handled nearly 45 criminal complaints and 40 incidents—half the number from the previous year.
In Großröhrsdorf, two minors allegedly started a fire in a single-family home. Investigators believe they set off fireworks and discarded packaging in a paper bin, causing flames. The blaze resulted in around €20,000 worth of property damage.
Wittichenau also saw destruction after powerful fireworks explosions. The shockwaves shattered windows at a butcher shop, a physiotherapy practice, and a housing association building. Estimated repairs for the damage reached €25,000. Road incidents added to the chaos. In Seifhennersdorf, a 20-year-old driver lost control of his car while skidding. The vehicle rolled over, leaving him with minor injuries that required hospital care. Meanwhile, on the S95, a 72-year-old man crashed head-on into another car while overtaking. Two people suffered minor injuries, and tests showed the driver had a blood alcohol level of 1.26 per mille. Police faced aggression in Hoyerswerda when a group of about 30 people hurled fireworks at officers and a patrol car. A 20-year-old man was later arrested for insulting and threatening police while heavily intoxicated. His blood alcohol level measured 1.2 per mille, and he was taken into custody for threats of violence.
The incidents left a trail of property damage, injuries, and legal consequences. Police recorded fewer calls than the previous year but still dealt with dangerous behaviour linked to fireworks and alcohol. Investigations into the fires, crashes, and assaults remain ongoing.
