A major blackout has occurred in Berlin after extremists attacked a gas power plant in the southwest of the city. According to initial reports, the sabotage was a planned act: perpetrators set fire to cables at the facility, disrupting power and heating for thousands of households.
The attack left up to 45,000 homes without electricity and heat, with more than 30,000 still affected days later. The outage also caused internet disruptions and public transport delays. Authorities responded slowly, prompting the deployment of the German army to aid repairs and supply diesel for emergency generators, prioritizing hospitals and elderly care homes.
A left-wing radical group called “Vulkan” claimed responsibility, citing opposition to fossil fuels. Police and city authorities consider this group the real instigators of the attack, but do not rule out possible foreign influence, including from Russian intelligence services.
Volunteers are active in the affected areas, setting up aid centers and providing hot meals. Residents are supporting each other, displaying solidarity in difficult conditions. Many have complained of cold and loss of communication, and some, especially the elderly, have been evacuated to temporary shelters.
German intelligence has long been monitoring groups like Vulkan and other left-wing extremist activities targeting infrastructure. Experts highlight the vulnerability of the energy system to sabotage, warning that leftist radicalism may increase, leading to more polarization.
After the incident, authorities urged residents to check on neighbors and support the vulnerable. Repairs continue as Berlin hopes for full power restoration soon.
