Firecracker accident in Vienna: 14-year-old loses finger in explosion!

Firecracker accident in Vienna: 14-year-old loses finger in explosion!

A tragic incident occurred on October 24, 2025, around 5 p.m., in Pezzlgasse in the Hernals district of Vienna. A 14-year-old teenager suffered serious injuries and lost a finger due to the explosion of a flash bang device. According to initial investigations, the cause of the accident is the ignition of unauthorized pyrotechnics in the park, which the police strongly condemn. “We appeal to young people to be sensible – dealing with prohibited pyrotechnics can have serious consequences,” said a police spokeswoman.

Immediate help was provided for the injured young person by the Vienna professional rescue service, which immediately transported him to the hospital. According to the boy, the dangerous firecracker came from acquaintances. His allegations are now leading to comprehensive investigations being conducted by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office under the fire investigation area. The incident highlights the dangers posed by illegal fireworks. It is often carelessness and inattention that lead to such accidents, and firecrackers that come from abroad pose additional risks.

Legal framework

Fireworks are strictly regulated in Austria. For example, category II fireworks, which include firecrackers, may only be ignited around the turn of the year. Handling unauthorized fireworks, such as so-called “Poland firecrackers”, is a criminal offense under Section 40 Paragraph 1 No. 3 in conjunction with Section 27 of the Explosives Act. The misuse of such products can result in fines or even imprisonment of up to three years.

The Explosives Act is not only a collection of regulations, but also an essential part of protecting the public from the dangers of explosive substances. It not only regulates the sale and use of fireworks, but also considers their safety aspects. Particularly critical is the fact that unauthorized fireworks, such as those often found in football stadiums, not only violate applicable law, but also pose additional risks to the health of spectators.

The dangers of pyrotechnics

As part of the investigation, the origin of the firecracker used will also be examined more closely. If the products used have not undergone safety tests, this could have fatal consequences. The use of firecrackers requires a certain level of responsibility and education. “Especially in public, be it at events or in the stadium, misuse of pyrotechnics is unacceptable and can have serious legal consequences,” points out a legal expert on the problem.

In addition, injuries caused by pyrotechnics in sports facilities are increasingly being viewed as dangerous bodily harm. Court rulings show that even minor violations of the rules can have severe consequences. The case of the 14-year-old boy could have legal consequences not only for him personally, but also for his acquaintances who provided him with the firecracker.

In summary, it is hoped that such incidents can be avoided in the future. Early awareness of how to use pyrotechnics responsibly is essential. The city of Vienna and the police rely on education and an appeal to common sense in order to prevent such tragedies.

For more information on the legal basis and dangers of pyrotechnics, interested readers can read the detailed articles on 5min.at, Rechtsanwalt-Suchservice and BVPK: 5min.at reports, Lawyer search service explains the legal requirements and BVPK provides a comprehensive overview of the case law on this topic.