An explosion in the basement of a residential building in Teupitz (Dahme-Spreewald district) injured two people on New Year’s Eve, one of them seriously. According to police, a fire then broke out in the house. A large number of firefighters extinguished the fire. A 24-year-old was taken to hospital in a rescue helicopter. A 51-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries. First had the “Märkische Allgemeine” reports.
According to initial findings, the police assume that the explosion was caused by an accident with fireworks. At least two men were handling pyrotechnics in the basement, a spokesman said. Two pistols were also discovered while extinguishing the fire. Whether these are alarm pistols or other weapons is still being investigated. The crime scene team of the State Criminal Police Office is continuing the investigation. The property around the house in the Egsdorf district was also searched.
According to further information, the house is currently accessible, but not habitable. According to the police, structural engineers are on site for investigations. The explosion reportedly happened around 11:45 a.m.
Again and again there are many injuries and fires on New Year’s Eve due to pyrotechnics. At the turn of the year, Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) and Health Minister Ursula Nonnemacher (Greens) once again called for careful handling of fireworks. Stübgen emphatically warned against burning off unapproved or home-made fireworks. This can result in serious bodily harm and even death. According to Brandenburg’s Minister of Health, the burden on hospitals and rescue services is already very high.
After two new years with corona restrictions, the police in Brandenburg are preparing for many operations. According to her, hundreds of officials were deployed last year. (dpa)
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