Berlin’s New Year’s Eve erupts in chaos with fires, arrests and a fatality
Berlin saw severe violence during New Year’s Eve celebrations, with over 420 arrests and 30 police officers injured. Attacks on emergency services also occurred in Hamburg, while a fatal incident in Hirschgraben left a 23-year-old man dead. Meanwhile, firefighters dealt with dozens of fires across the region.
The night began with widespread disorder in Berlin, where crowds clashed with authorities. Police reported 420 arrests and 30 injured officers before dawn. In Hamburg, emergency crews faced similar aggression while responding to calls.
A deadly confrontation in Hirschgraben disrupted rescue operations. A 23-year-old man died in the altercation, though details remain unclear. Paramedics handled 125 emergencies between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., none linked to fire-related injuries. Firefighters battled 55 fires and eight other emergencies overnight. Several balcony fires broke out, likely from mishandled fireworks. Trash bins also caught fire, some dangerously close to buildings or causing structural damage. No injuries were reported in these fires. Elsewhere, the Wiesbaden Fire Department assisted in a major operation at a horse farm in Mainz-Hechtsheim. The complex firefighting effort added to the night’s challenges for emergency services.
The New Year’s Eve chaos left dozens arrested, officers injured, and one man dead. Fire crews extinguished multiple fires without further casualties. Authorities are now reviewing the incidents to assess response measures.
