Fatal New Year's Eve Firework Fire in Würzburg: 42-Year-Old Appears in Court
A man faces trial on 14 October at Würzburg District Court over negligent manslaughter. An 88-year-old pensioner died from smoke inhalation on New Year's Eve night.
Charges Following New Year's Eve Fire: 88-Year-Old Dies from Smoke Inhalation
More than ten months after a fatal flat fire on New Year's Eve night in Würzburg, a 42-year-old man must answer to Würzburg District Court. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the public prosecutor has accused the defendant of negligent manslaughter and negligent arson. The trial date is set for 14 October, with nine witnesses summoned.
The man allegedly ignited a New Year's Eve firework with a broken wooden stick in his hand – in flagrant disregard of any duty of care. The projectile struck a balcony on the first floor of a multi-family residential building and triggered a fire there. The flames subsequently spread to the flat itself.
Emergency responders found the 88-year-old owner unconscious in the smoke-filled rooms. She was immediately taken outside and given medical treatment, but died that night from smoke inhalation.
Investigators identified the suspect through witness statements from residents and the evaluation of video footage from New Year's Eve night. In addition to the defendant now charged, there was another suspect, but his involvement could not be sufficiently proven. The District Court has so far set only a single hearing date.
Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung