Berlin police investigate suspected arson on power cables in Marzahn

Police in Berlin are investigating a suspected arson attack on power infrastructure in the Marzahn district. Early Monday morning, unknown individuals ignited old tires and debris beneath a cable bridge on Boxberger Straße, causing a fire that damaged critical electrical lines.

The incident damaged two 110,000-volt high-voltage cables and several 10,000-volt medium-voltage lines. While a widespread blackout was avoided, 19 commercial businesses were temporarily disconnected from the grid and were later provided with emergency power via generators. Residential households were not affected.

Due to the potential for a politically motivated motive, the State Security Department of the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has taken over the investigation. Authorities are looking into whether the target was intentionally selected, noting that similar attacks on power lines have occurred in Berlin in the past, sometimes attributed to left-wing extremist groups.