A massive power outage in Berlin has triggered a terrorism probe after around 45,000 households were left without electricity for nearly two days, an incident that drew global attention in Europe’s biggest
city.
The blackout, occurred amid sub-zero temperatures and was the longest power outage in the German capital since the Second World War. Entire neighbourhoods and businesses were plunged into darkness, an unusual situation for a major European city.
German authorities said they were probing Saturday’s attack on suspicion of “membership in a terrorist organisation, sabotage, arson and disruption of public services”.
Power in Berlin was fully restored only on Thursday, authorities said, as investigations into the incident continue.
According to German news outlet DW, the issue was so grave that the German government had to rope in the army to assist affected residents. Civic authorities and charities also provided warm shelters in hotels, schools and sports centres.
On Thursday, the temperature in Berlin was -9 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in Berlin ranged around -2 degrees Celsius these days, with the minimum dipping to -11.
While power has now been fully restored in Berlin, the scale of the outage has raised alarm, with 45,000 homes and 1,120 businesses left without electricity for two days.
During the outage, public swimming pools were kept open round the clock to provide showers and warmth, while buses were used as temporary warming stations.
