A major blackout has disrupted life in Berlin after an act of arson struck the citys power grid, plunging thousands into darkness as temperatures hovered below zero. Roughly 50,000 households and 2,000 businesses were affected at the outset, with the number of impacted homes falling to 30,000 by Monday.
Restoration efforts continue in the southwestern districts of Lichterfelde, Zehlendorf, Wannsee and Steglitz, where authorities do not expect full power to return before Thursday. Crews have been working in difficult conditions as the disruption has also cut hot water and internet access for many residents.
Officials attribute the attack to the extremist group Vulkangruppe, which has claimed responsibility for previous acts of sabotage, including one targeting a Tesla facility. Investigators say the arson occurred on a high voltage cable bridge spanning the Teltow Canal.
Government spokesperson Sebastian Hille denounced the incident as a serious crime and vowed that those responsible will be held to account. His remarks came during the first federal press briefing of the new year.
The Greek community in Berlin moved quickly to support vulnerable residents, offering warm drinks, blankets and charging points. Volunteers responded within hours of the outage, providing assistance even before public services reached several affected neighborhoods.
