Tobias' tragedy: illegal firecrackers cost him hand and eye!

in Ternitz there was tragic incidents during New Year's Eve, when two 18-year-olds died by the improper handling of fireworks, especially a ball bomb. In another frightening incident, the then 16-year-old Tobias in Lichtenau ignited an illegal "Number One Supersize" firer, which exploded in his hand. According to Tobias' descriptions, after the explosion, he first had to realize that his hand was missing and that his eye was seriously injured. He was taken to the hospital, where he was in a coma for several weeks and had to go through numerous operations, including an amputation of his arm. Tobias urgently warns of the dangers of such illegal firecrackers, which are often imported from abroad like the Czech Republic, as well as from Puls24 reports .

The interior minister warned of the dangers of illegal pyrotechnics during a check at the border to the Czech Republic. Last New Year's Eve were counted two dead and over 50 injuries, which increased the pressure on the security authorities. The police recently confiscated around 20,000 illegal fireworks on the border. Particularly dangerous firecrackers can not only cause serious injuries, they also represent a risk that should not be underestimated. The police therefore remain “particularly active” to prevent such accidents in the current New Year's Eve season, according to the Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP).

regulations and risks

In Austria, strict regulations for the use of fireworks are introduced. Pyrotechnic objects are divided into different categories, whereby special training is required for the use of the F3 category and higher. People, such as Tobias, often use illegal firecrackers, since in most cases they are more dangerous and not properly tested. In addition to serious physical damage, fines can also threaten up to 3,600 euros if you violate the Pyrotechnics Act. The increasing fine dust pollution and environmental impact during New Year's Eve also caused the WWF to request a ban on selling and using fireworks to protect the health of humans and animals as well as in Today. mentioned.