Fireworks Malfunction at Düsseldorf, Germany, Fair Injures 19, Including Child
- Victor Nwoko
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
At least 19 people were injured, four of them seriously, after a fireworks display went wrong during a major fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Friday night. The incident occurred at the Rheinkirmes festival, a popular 10-day summer fair held along the Rhine River.
Emergency services and fire crews were quickly dispatched to the scene after fireworks reportedly exploded at ground level near the riverbank. Shocking images showed fireworks erupting dangerously close to crowds gathered for the show.
Among the injured was a child, authorities confirmed. Düsseldorf fire officials said the cause of the malfunction is under investigation by police.
Peter Dietlmaier, a spokesperson for the fair, expressed regret over the incident. “Our thoughts are with those affected and their families. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery from the consequences of the accident. We deeply regret the accident,” he said.
Following the explosion, organizers ended the fair early for the day and are now considering whether to cancel the traditional fireworks portion of next year’s event.
The Rheinkirmes is one of Germany’s largest funfairs, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The festival includes amusement park rides, drone and fireworks displays, and other entertainment offerings, hosted by hundreds of staff along the Rhine’s left bank, across from Düsseldorf’s historic old town. The fair is organized by the St. Sebastianus Rifle Club, a traditional organization dating back to 1316.
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