Burst pipe triggers severe flooding in a Berlin apartment building overnight

A midnight emergency unfolded as a ruptured pipe sent water surging through a Berlin building. Could freezing cold and a power outage be the hidden culprits?

, and Administrator

2026 January 6 . 5:09 PM

1 min read

As we can see in the image there is a water pipe.

Water Pipe Burst During Power Outage in Berlin-Zehlendorf - Burst pipe triggers severe flooding in a Berlin apartment building overnight

A burst water pipe caused major flooding in a Berlin building early this morning. The incident took place on Potsdamer Chaussee in the Nikolassee area, with firefighters called to the scene just after midnight. Freezing temperatures and a possible power failure may have triggered the damage, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed.

The pipe burst on the second floor of the building, sending water cascading down to the basement. Emergency crews arrived at 12:35 a.m. with a fire engine to assess the situation. They quickly shut off the water supply to stop further flooding.

The night’s severe frost likely played a role, as reports suggest a power outage may have disabled the heating system. However, officials have not yet confirmed this as the definitive cause. No other buildings in the area reported similar problems after the incident. The property’s management details remain unclear, as no specific company is publicly listed for its maintenance. Responsibility could lie with local owners, a housing cooperative, or Berlin’s public housing authority.

The building suffered extensive water damage from the second floor to the basement. Firefighters contained the situation by cutting off the water flow, and no further incidents were reported. Investigations into the cause and responsibility for repairs are ongoing.