Reutlingen substation fire triggers major power outage, electricity restored

A fire broke out in a Reutlingen substation on the night of 8 June 2026, destroying a transformer and causing a large-scale blackout. Roughly 20,000 households, a hospital and numerous industrial and commercial sites lost power, affecting about 7,600 buildings and an estimated 40,000 people.

All private households have been re‑connected, and the remaining 50 commercial customers are expected to be back on the grid by 10 June. The outage’s total cost is projected to run into the millions of euros and repairs will take weeks or months.

Investigators from the Stuttgart General Prosecutor’s Office and the State Criminal Police Office suspect arson. Three burn sites and a fire‑accelerant were found, and a possible extremist motive is being examined, though no political link has been identified. The incident has prompted calls from Baden‑Württemberg’s Minister‑President to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure.