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Berlin Power-Line Fire Leaves Tens of Thousands Without Electricity as Police Probe Possible Arson

Police are assessing a purported claim of responsibility, with repairs expected to take days.

Overview

  • A blaze on suspended cables over the Teltowkanal near the Lichterfelde power facility knocked out power to roughly 45,000–50,000 homes and about 2,000 businesses in Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, Wannsee and Lichterfelde.
  • Stromnetz Berlin reported extensive cable damage and said restoration will be complex, with ANSA reporting outages could persist at least until Thursday.
  • Berlin police opened an arson investigation and said a letter claiming responsibility is being examined for authenticity.
  • Public transport faced interruptions, traffic lights were out and many homes lost heating during winter snowfall, prompting authorities to urge caution and community help.
  • Officials opened a relief center with about 300 cots on Huttenweg 43, kept major hospitals operating and asked residents to avoid emergency rooms unless necessary, while some care facilities were evacuated.