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Berlin Cable-Bridge Arson Knocks Out Power to 45,000 as Repairs Stretch Into the Week

Authorities say full power will not return before Thursday because repairing the destroyed cable link is technically complex.

Overview

  • Stromnetz Berlin reports about 45,000 households and roughly 2,200 businesses lost electricity, with around 7,000 homes and 150 businesses reconnected overnight and further limited restorations expected before full service returns Thursday.
  • Emergency services evacuated care facilities, set up multiple warming and notruf points, and advised residents on heating failures, while the district opened crisis hubs and at least ten schools are set to remain closed on Monday.
  • Rail operations were disrupted, including S‑Bahn and regional lines around Wannsee after a signal box lost power, and traffic signals failed in affected neighborhoods.
  • Police are investigating deliberate arson on the Teltowkanal cable bridge; forensic teams secured footprints in the snow, and a claim of responsibility by a group calling itself the Vulkangruppe is being assessed for authenticity.
  • City leaders faced criticism over crisis management, business groups warned of millions in losses, and officials signaled potential Bundeswehr support to assist with relief efforts.