Berlin’s historic blackout leaves 45,000 freezing after arson attack on power grid

Sub-zero chaos grips Berlin as extremists claim responsibility for a power grid attack. Residents scramble for warmth while repairs drag on in record cold.

, and Administrator

2026 January 8 . 1:02 AM

1 min read

At the bottom of the image there is a road with cars and a bus. Behind them there are buildings... — At the bottom of the image there is a road with cars and a bus. Behind them there are buildings with walls, windows, dish and roofs. And also there are posters and banners to the walls. There is a pole with streetlight.

Berlin’s historic blackout leaves 45,000 freezing after arson attack on power grid

Berlin has faced its longest power outage since World War II, leaving 45,000 households in the southwest without electricity since Saturday. Freezing temperatures between -3 and -6 degrees Celsius have made conditions even harder for those affected.

The blackout began after an arson attack on a cable bridge in Berlin-Lichterfelde on January 3, 2026. Authorities quickly suspected involvement from the Vulkangruppe, a left-wing extremist group. The organisation later claimed responsibility in a confession letter, calling the attack a 'common good-oriented action' against fossil energy use.

With no power for days, residents were advised to seek shelter with family, in hotels, or at temporary accommodation set up in sports halls. Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with health issues, were prioritised for emergency housing. Repair efforts have been ongoing, but the extreme cold and damage from the fire slowed progress. The outage has now lasted longer than any other in the city since the end of the war.

The attack has left thousands without heating or electricity in sub-zero temperatures. Emergency services continue to assist affected households while investigations into the arson proceed. Authorities have not yet announced when full power will be restored.