Ask Onix
Far-left activists admit causing Berlin blackout
A radical collective known as the Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group) has taken responsibility for an arson attack that severed electricity to tens of thousands of Berlin homes, hospitals, and businesses amid sub-zero temperatures.
Attack details and immediate impact
Early Saturday, flames were spotted on cables spanning a bridge near a gas-fired power station in southwest Berlin. Firefighters extinguished the blaze within minutes, yet the damage left approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 enterprises without power.
Berlin's state economy minister confirmed to local media that incendiary devices were used, causing the disruption.
Emergency response and restoration timeline
By Sunday afternoon, crews had restored power to roughly 10,000 homes and 300 businesses. However, the city's electricity provider warned that full reconnection would not be completed until Thursday.
Hospitals and care facilities activated emergency generators, and officials coordinated the transfer of patients and vulnerable residents to unaffected sites. Some medical centers had their power reinstated by Sunday.
Disruptions to daily life
Several schools scheduled to reopen Monday after the holiday break will remain closed due to the ongoing outage.
Berlin's mayor condemned the attack, labeling the perpetrators as "suspected left-wing extremists" who endangered lives, particularly those of hospital patients.
Group's justification and past actions
The Vulkangruppe issued a statement framing the arson as an "act of self-defense" and solidarity with environmental protectors. The group acknowledged the hardship faced by lower-income residents but expressed less concern for "owners of villas."
Police told AFP they found the claim "plausible" while continuing their investigation. The group previously admitted to a 2024 arson attack that disrupted Tesla's Berlin factory production.
Broader context
The attack targeted the fossil fuel economy, according to the group's statement, despite the immediate consequences for civilians in freezing conditions.
