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Berlin Blackout After Suspected Arson Enters Second Day as Partial Restorations Begin

The grid operator projects full re-supply only by Thursday due to complex high‑voltage cable repairs in winter conditions.

Overview

  • A fire on a cable bridge over the Teltowkanal damaged multiple high‑voltage lines, cutting electricity to about 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses in Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, Wannsee and Lichterfelde.
  • Police are investigating suspected arson, and State Security is reviewing a claimed‑responsibility letter whose authenticity has not been verified.
  • Stromnetz Berlin reports that extensive excavation and cable replacement are required and is building a temporary bypass to enable phased reconnections.
  • As of early Sunday, roughly 7,000 households and 150 businesses—mainly in Lichterfelde—had power restored in stages, with broader reconnections to follow.
  • Heating failures, closed shops and disrupted station systems were reported, while emergency shelters, charging points and light masts were set up and some care‑facility residents were relocated.