Households and businesses in the southern part of Berlin are facing potential days without electricity due to a fire damaging power lines in what officials believe was a deliberate act with political motivations.
The fire occurred on Saturday morning on a cable bridge over the Teltow Canal near the Lichterfelde power plant in Berlin. Authorities confirmed that the incident was a targeted attack by individuals described as “left-wing extremists.”
Approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses across four districts were left without power, impacting heating and internet services as well. The authorities are treating the incident as a possible case of arson.
This disruption is reminiscent of a similar power outage in southeast Berlin in September, where radical activists claimed responsibility for the blackout. Investigations are ongoing to verify the authenticity of a letter claiming responsibility for the recent incident.
Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner denounced the attack, labeling the perpetrators as “clearly left-wing extremists” and emphasizing the danger posed to human lives. The city’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey, highlighted the severity of the power outage, affecting numerous households, businesses, care facilities, hospitals, social institutions, and companies.
While power has been restored to some households, many are expected to remain without electricity until Thursday, as severe snowy weather and freezing temperatures are impeding the restoration efforts, making the situation even more challenging for those affected.