Updated 14.42 | Published 14.41
When Therese Wallberg, 48, was out on her break, it suddenly narrowed.
A rocket had exploded right next to her face.
– If it had hit a decimetre higher up, I would have hit it in the face, then I don’t know what would have happened, says Therese.
To get some air, Therese Wallberg, 48, chose to go out of the restaurant she runs in central Arvika.
It was New Year’s Eve last year and she was talking to a couple of young people when suddenly there was a bang, something NWT was the first to tell about.
An A-tractor drove by and something came flying towards Therese.
– At first I didn’t understand what it was, but it really hit me, says Therese.
A rocket had exploded on the shoulder, right next to Therese’s face. She was shocked, got earplugs and hearing problems. Despite this, Therese continued to work.
Impaired hearing and dizziness
After the incident, she has continued to have problems with her hearing and also dizziness. Two months ago the dizziness problems subsided, but the hearing is still damaged.
– It is reduced. Both my daughter and my colleague notice that my hearing is worse, says Therese.
However, the situation could have been worse, the rocket hit only a few centimeters from Therese’s face.
– If it had hit a decimetre higher up, I would have hit it in the face, then I don’t know what would have happened, says Therese.
16-year-old was charged
A 16-year-old boy was arrested after the incident. He had been in the A-tractor that was driving by when it hit.
In questioning, he stated that he lit a fountain that sprayed glitter and that he dropped it on the ground when it got hot. He denied that it fired any projectiles and the incident was taken up in court where the boy was acquitted.
– There I lost, even though the police had found a witness and everything, says Therese.
“Should stay away from rockets”
Despite the bangs and problems with her hearing, Therese continued to work through New Year’s Eve. Something she will do this year as well.
– As usual, I will work throughout the New Year, but I will stay away from this rocket this year, says Therese and continues:
– Rockets are nice, but dangerous, and when they are aimed at people, they are life-threatening.