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Fireworks Display Turns Chaotic at Rheinkirmes Festival
A fireworks exhibition at Düsseldorf's annual Rheinkirmes fair turned dangerous yesterday evening when pyrotechnics exploded at ground level, injuring 19 attendees. Four victims sustained serious injuries according to local authorities.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
Multiple witnesses reported fireworks veering sideways before detonating dangerously low. Video footage shows a primary explosion in the air followed immediately by a secondary blast at street level, causing panic among spectators. The incident occurred during the festival's traditional fireworks display along the Rhine riverbank.
Official Investigation Underway
Düsseldorf fire department confirmed the pyrotechnics were misaligned, while event organizers suggested a collapsed launch ramp caused the malfunction. Police have ruled out intentional wrongdoing, classifying the incident as an accident. Emergency responders treated casualties on-site before transporting the seriously injured to nearby hospitals.
Festival Impact and History
The Rheinkirmes—Germany's fourth-largest fair dating back to 1435—was immediately suspended following the accident. This annual July event typically attracts thousands to its amusement rides, beer tents, and cultural exhibits along Düsseldorf's Oberkassel riverbank. The festival combines traditional Schützenfest marksmanship competitions with modern entertainment, significantly contributing to the region's economy.
