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Berlin Blackout: Arson Attack Cripples Capital
7 Jan
Summary
- A left-wing group claimed responsibility for an arson attack on Berlin's power supply.
- The attack caused a four-day power outage for nearly 100,000 people.
- The incident, possibly a terrorist act, occurred amid freezing temperatures and heavy snow.
Berlin experienced a severe power outage affecting nearly 100,000 residents for over four days, following an alleged arson attack on its electricity supply on a Saturday. The activist group Vulkangruppe claimed responsibility for the incident, citing environmental concerns and the role of fossil fuels in the climate crisis.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, damaged high-voltage cables near the Lichterfelde power plant. This resulted in a prolonged blackout impacting approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses across four southern districts. The outage occurred during sub-zero temperatures, exacerbating the hardship for affected residents.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the event, with federal prosecutors examining suspected offenses related to terrorism and sabotage. The incident has been characterized as a "terrorist attack" by the mayor of Berlin, highlighting its significant impact on the city's infrastructure and daily life.
