Berliner charged with manslaughter after falling plant pot kills man

A woman has been charged with manslaughter in Berlin after a plant pot which fell from her balcony hit and killed a 61-year-old man. 

Falling flower pot manslaughter in Berlin

Authorities in Berlin have charged a 32-year-old woman after a flower pot, which was not securely attached to her balcony, fell, struck a passerby on the head and killed him.

According to rbb, authorities said the accident, which happened in April 2026, had been “avoidable”. The woman had placed the unfastened 4,8-kilogramme flower pot on the ledge of her balcony, but beyond the barrier bar, which typically prevents pots from falling.

DWD had warned of high winds

According to the prosecution, the German Weather Service (DWD) had issued a warning of high winds the day before the flower pot fell and struck the man.

The woman has remained silent regarding the manslaughter allegations against her. The Charlottenburg district court will now decide if and when a trial will go ahead.