Injuries and deaths from powerful fireworks across Germany over the New Year holiday have again prompted debate about new restrictions or even a possible nationwide ban on fireworks. The interior minister for Berlin,

The debate about stricter rules on fireworks or a possible nationwide ban has intensified following another New Year's Eve marked by scores of injuries and five deathsOver 270,000 Germans have signed an online petition calling for a nationwide ban on private fireworks after a New Year's Eve marked by deaths and injuries.

Well over a quarter of a million Germans have signed an online petition calling for a total nationwide ban on fireworks for private use after yet another New Year's Eve marred by deaths and injuries.

Five people died across Germany and a police officer was seriously injured from accidents linked to the powerful fireworks Germans traditionally set off to celebrate the new year, police said Wednesday.

A largely peaceful New Year's Eve turned chaotic as fireworks killed five in several incidents across Germany, where hundreds also were arrested for rioting in Berlin and other cities.

Another New Year's Eve marked by scores of injuries and five deaths from fireworks explosions across Germany has renewed debate about stricter rules on fireworks or a possible nationwide ban. Even though this year's celebrations were deemed largely peaceful,