"Attack our country!" Launching devices found
German authorities are investigating a suspected sabotage attack on an electrical substation near Cologne after six launch devices were discovered in a nearby field. The incident caused major power disruptions but did not trigger a nationwide blackout.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening at the Bergheim-Rheidt substation in North Rhine-Westphalia. Investigators believe the devices were designed to use pyrotechnic charges to fire wires over high-voltage power lines, potentially creating a short circuit.
The discovery has raised serious security concerns. North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul said authorities have an initial suspicion of unconstitutional sabotage and are investigating whether the attack could have been directed by a foreign state or linked to left-wing extremism.
A local resident reported seeing a black SUV driving away from the substation shortly before three explosions were allegedly heard. Helicopters were later seen flying over the area. Authorities have not confirmed whether the vehicle was connected to the incident.
The disruption forced five RWE lignite-fired power plant units at Niederaußem and Neurath to temporarily shut down. Together, the affected units have a potential capacity of around 4,200 megawatts and were supplying approximately 3,000 megawatts to the grid at the time of the incident.
Despite the disruption, Germany's electricity supply remained stable. Grid operator Amprion was able to compensate for the missing electricity from other areas. Several of the affected power plant units were gradually brought back online as authorities continued investigating the incident.
The case has become even more serious because a similar incident was reported just hours earlier in Brandenburg. Unknown perpetrators allegedly attempted to cause short circuits on high-voltage lines near the Jänschwalde power plant. Investigators are examining whether the two incidents are connected, but no link has yet been established.