Investigation into Death of Seven-Year-Old Girl Under Overturned Counter Dropped

In Germany, the investigation into the death of a seven-year-old girl has concluded without any charges being filed. The child died under an overturned wooden counter during a self-defense course held at a carnival association in the town of Sulz am Neckar in the state of Baden-Württemberg. German criminal law strictly distinguishes between liability for intentional acts and for accidents. Expert opinions play a key role in such investigations, assessing whether the event was foreseeable and if there was a breach of safety duties. The Rottweil District Public Prosecutor's Office, after analyzing evidence and an expert opinion, issued a statement on Thursday announcing the discontinuation of proceedings. It stated that no external fault was found. This means that no one other than the victim bears responsibility for the situation. The piece of furniture itself, which had served for years as a bar and room divider in an attic space, was deemed stable and suitable for its purpose. The statement noted that "problems with stability (...) were not known during all the years of previous use." This decision closes the path for criminal proceedings in this case. The tragedy occurred on January 28 of this year. During a break in the self-defense course, the girl jumped up to the counter and hung from its protruding top panel. The piece of furniture, which was not attached to the wall or floor, toppled over, crushing the child. The investigation confirmed this sequence of events. The prosecutor's office deemed it an accident that could not have been foreseen and therefore does not entail criminal liability. The case has generated significant public resonance, raising questions about safety in venues where activities for children are organized.