German Police Probe Unexploded Incendiary Device At Substation

German authorities have launched a critical infrastructure investigation after discovering multiple improvised explosive and incendiary devices at a transmission substation in Brandenburg on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at the Preilack substation in the Spree-Neiße district, a vital transmission node feeding output from the Jänschwalde lignite power plant into the 50Hertz extra-high-voltage grid.

At least one device detonated, damaging overhead lines, while bomb-disposal units safely neutralized remaining unexploded devices at the site.

Police categorized the objects as "unconventional incendiary and explosive devices," explicitly rejecting initial media claims that rocket-like projectiles were deployed in the operation.

No injuries were reported, and state officials confirmed that public safety was not compromised during the operation to secure the facility.

Network operator 50Hertz confirmed that several transmission lines sustained damage, resulting in a brief service interruption before operations were fully restored without widespread blackout.

The event forced the automatic safety shutdown of Block B at the 1,500 MW Jänschwalde facility, Brandenburg’s largest remaining coal-fired power plant.

Plant operator LEAG categorized the incident as a direct attack on the grid connection and confirmed efforts are underway alongside 50Hertz to restart the affected generation unit.

Brandenburg’s Infrastructure Minister, Robert Crumbach, characterized the act as a targeted assault on public security and state energy livelihoods.

The Brandenburg State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has assumed control of the investigation, securing forensic evidence at the site while maintaining that no motives or suspects have been formally identified.

The targeted disruption follows a series of high-profile security incidents across eastern Germany, including the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month.