Overview

• A 28-year-old police officer was hospitalized and declared unfit for duty after a prepared plastic bottle exploded at a venue used by Jehovah's Witnesses in Bad Reichenhall.
• Police say the device detonated as officers moved to secure the area, with an initial assessment pointing to a chemical reaction inside the bottle.
• Officers had been called to reports that children or adolescents disrupted the meeting, including setting off firecrackers, with similar incidents previously reported in the area.
• The state-protection unit took over the case on suspicion of disturbing religious practice, causing an explosive detonation, and dangerous bodily harm.
• Authorities appealed for witnesses and increased patrols in the town, conducting outreach talks with youths and seizing some fireworks during checks.