Fire Brigade Chief Calls for Stricter Punishment of Onlookers at Accident Sites
The head of the German Fire Brigade Association, Karl-Heinz Banse, has urged the revocation of driving licenses for thrill-seekers who disrupt rescue efforts at accident scenes. In an interview with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, he emphasized that individuals who hinder rescue operations or even film the scene should face harsh punishment, likening their behavior to that of drivers who use their phones while driving. Banse believes that the threat of losing one’s driving license would be a more effective deterrent than abstract fines.
The fire brigade chief lamented that in the past, firefighters could focus solely on rescuing victims from wreckage. However, today, they must simultaneously rescue people and deter onlookers from interfering. Despite legislative reforms in recent years, which have criminalized the photography or filming of deceased individuals, Banse believes that the problem of onlookers remains a persistent issue during emergency responses. He stressed that something needs to change to address this ongoing concern.