Overview

• Nineteen fairgoers, including one child who sustained burns, were hurt when a firework detonated at ground level during the July 18 Rheinkirmes display.
• About 80 firefighters and medical personnel were deployed to treat and evacuate the injured at the riverside festival.
• Police have launched a criminal investigation while classifying the mishap as a tragic accident.
• Fire officials are examining a tipped launch container theory that may have caused the low-altitude detonation.
• Event organizers have canceled the remainder of this year’s fireworks and initiated a comprehensive safety protocol review ahead of next year’s fair.