Reutlingen substation fire suspected arson triggers regional power outage

A fire broke out at a substation west of Reutlingen, Germany, causing a widespread electricity outage that temporarily affected large parts of the region, including a local hospital. Investigators now consider the blaze a deliberate act of arson, having secured a possible accelerant and involving the state criminal police (LKA), the State Protection Office and an anti‑terror centre in the inquiry.

The LKA is reviewing extensive video footage from security cameras around the site, while forensic analysis of the accelerant material is nearing completion. No claim of responsibility has been received, but the incident was first mentioned on the blog “Switch off” and later on the left‑wing platform Indymedia, which the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution links to anti‑capitalist and climate‑politics motivated sabotage campaigns. The event has raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure and the need for rapid detection, response and restoration measures.

Authorities continue to examine the evidence to identify the perpetrators and assess the broader security implications of attacks on power‑grid components.