Incident at Preilack substation
German police are investigating an incident at a power substation in the eastern state of Brandenburg, where several improvised explosive devices were found on Tuesday, according to reports from police and the grid operator. The devices were located at the Turnow/Preilack substation in the municipality of Turnow-Preilack in the Spree-Neiße district, which serves as an important hub in the Lausitz power grid and is connected to the nearby Jänschwalde coal-fired power plant.
Police received information about the incident at around 8 m. (0600 GMT) and officers were deployed to the site, a spokesperson said. The police stated that no one was hurt and that there was never any danger to the public.
Grid operator 50Hertz said there was a "brief interruption of service" but that all lines were now back in operation. The company added in an emailed statement that the general electricity supply was never affected.
Investigation and response
The Brandenburg state criminal police office has taken over the investigation of the incident, according to reports. The Cottbus police directorate stated that the police headquarters in Potsdam had taken over communications regarding the incident, and the Brandenburg Interior Ministry also referred enquiries there.
50Hertz said that "as yet unidentified perpetrators are believed to have caused damage to several power lines in 50Hertz's transmission grid." The company did not specify how the damage was caused, given that the device had not detonated.
Apparent aim
The apparent aim of the devices was to trigger a large-scale power outage in the area around the nearby coal-fired power plant, according to initial findings. However, this did not happen, as the power supply was quickly restored and there was no significant disruption to electricity distribution.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet identified any suspects or motive.