Major Berlin Motorways Temporarily Closed as Police Investigate Infrastructure Incident

Significant police operations led to the full closure of two major Berlin motorways, the A100 and A113, on Thursday as authorities conducted a detailed investigation into a recent large-scale infrastructure incident. The operation focused on gathering evidence and securing potential traces related to a suspected arson attack that caused one of the most severe power outages in Berlin's recent history.

According to official statements, law enforcement personnel were deployed along the stretch between the Stubenrauchstraße and Alboinstraße junctions. The investigative measures included the use of specialized search teams and trained tracking dogs, known as mantrailer dogs, which are capable of following human scent trails using items of clothing or other scent sources. These dogs were observed moving freely across the motorway as they assisted officers in their search for evidence.

Police action was initiated in response to ongoing criminal investigations connected to the prolonged blackout that affected large parts of southeastern Berlin in mid-September. Approximately 50,000 households in the Köpenick district experienced a power cut lasting around 60 hours, severely disrupting daily life and local businesses. Investigators suspect that the power failure was caused by deliberate damage to energy infrastructure, with early indications pointing to a coordinated act of sabotage.

While officials have refrained from providing detailed commentary on the specifics of the evidence found or the progress of the investigation, the swift completion of the operation--ahead of the originally scheduled reopening time--has raised questions about whether significant findings were made during the search. Authorities have stated that in order to protect the integrity of ongoing inquiries, no further information about the outcome of the search or the nature of any discovered evidence will be released at this stage.

The case has been classified as a high-priority matter, and oversight has been transferred to Berlin's public prosecutor's office. The investigation is currently ongoing, with forensic teams examining sections of the affected infrastructure for traces of tampering, cable damage, and other potential indicators of criminal activity.

Contextual reports suggest that law enforcement agencies are treating the incident as a possible politically motivated attack, with preliminary assessments drawing parallels to previous acts of sabotage targeting energy and transport networks in the region. Authorities are also reviewing digital communications and previously published statements that may be linked to extremist activity.

The A100, a primary urban expressway that connects several key districts in Berlin--including Mitte, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Neukölln, and Treptow-Köpenick--remains a critical element in the city's transportation infrastructure. Its temporary closure for investigative purposes underscores the seriousness of the incident and the authorities' commitment to safeguarding public safety and essential services.

Residents and commuters were notified of the closure in advance, with traffic being redirected to minimize disruption. After approximately one hour, the affected sections of the motorways were reopened to traffic as the primary phase of the police operation concluded.

The investigation into the power outage and its potential causes continues, with law enforcement agencies prioritizing the identification of suspects and the collection of conclusive evidence. Officials have emphasized that maintaining the security of Berlin's critical infrastructure remains a top priority as the inquiry progresses.