A year after two young Lower Austrians were killed in a bullet bomb explosion, friends of the victims are now being held responsible. They were present when the illegal fireworks were purchased and lit. Suspended prison sentences are imposed.
It is a tragedy that happened almost a year ago in Ternitz (Neunkirchen district). A group of young Lower Austrians actually wanted to start the new year 2023 with a big party – and with lots of fireworks. To do this, they bought two ball bombs in the Czech Republic a few days before New Year’s Eve. This is Austria, but fireworks are prohibited.
Two 18-year-olds died on New Year’s Eve
“I never thought it could end so extreme,” said an 18-year-old on the first day of the trial last November. Because the ignition of the second ball bomb went wrong. An 18-year-old who was in the immediate area died on the spot. A man of the same age also died in hospital from his injuries a few days after the incident.
The defendants were also seriously injured
Two months ago, four young adults – two girls and two boys – had to sit in court in Wiener Neustadt for the first time. According to the Public Prosecution Service, they were said to have been grossly negligent in the death of their two friends. Also an accusation: bodily injury due to negligence; The two male suspects (18, 20) were also treated in intensive care with serious injuries.
The 17 and 18 year olds were not legally acquitted on the first day of the trial. They were not involved in the purchase or detonation of the bullet bomb.
Conditional prison sentences for young suspects
The hearing for the two young men was adjourned at that time. According to the defendant’s lawyer, the events should be classified as ‘participation in self-threat’; he referred to a corresponding Supreme Court ruling. In this context, according to the judge, further investigation should now be carried out into the mental condition of one of the two victims on the basis of, among other things, secondary vocational education diplomas.
However, the defense’s attempts in this direction fail. On the second day of the trial in Wiener Neustadt, the verdicts were handed down: the 20-year-old received a nine-month suspension, the younger six months – he was there when the bullet bombs were purchased. The statements are not legally binding.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
