In Saarbrücken, up to 800 people gathered between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM in the area of Rabbiner-Rülf-Platz. Extensive fireworks were set off, firecrackers ignited, and flares launched. A 25-year-old woman suffered a severe panic attack and was taken to a hospital. This triggered a larger police operation, as the rescue route had to be cleared for ambulances and emergency doctors. The atmosphere was consistently peaceful, especially towards the emergency services and police. During the gathering, there were repeated instances of improper use of fireworks. However, no person responsible could be identified. No injuries were reported. The event dispersed on its own by 1:00 AM.
In addition, the police had to respond to bodily injury offenses, brawls, and several fires. In Saarbrücken on "Hirtenwies" street, there was a balcony fire on the 8th floor of a high-rise building, which was presumably caused by a fireworks rocket. Despite the fast intervention of the fire department, the affected apartment is uninhabitable. In total, the police were on site at 46 fires. These were mainly bin, container, and hedge fires. In Schwalbach, there was also a carport fire, which also affected two adjacent houses.
Unfortunately, there were again deployments this year due to the improper use of fireworks. In Burbach, a cigarette vending machine was damaged by a firecracker, and firecrackers were ignited in groups of people multiple times, rockets were misused and fired towards buildings or vehicles. In Friedrichsthal, at least one person was slightly injured in the process.
In two cases, police officers were attacked. In Neunkirchen, an intoxicated 42-year-old car driver repeatedly attacked the officers after an accident and had to be taken into custody. In Homburg, officers were pelted with firecrackers after a fight, but no one was injured. The perpetrators were identified. Investigations are ongoing.
It is very positive to see that this year as well, the incidents of bodily harm offenses and fights have significantly decreased.
