Metallic Balloon Causes Massive Blackout in Dresden, Germany

9/14/21

Grid security

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A major power failure in Dresden, Germany, on Monday, which saw more than 300,000 buildings and apartments lose power, was caused by a commercially available balloon, typically used in weddings or children birthdays.

In a joint press conference with the utility, Saxony Energy, police spokesperson Thomas Geithner said Tuesday morning that initial investigation indicates that it was likely an accident rather than a deliberate act, even though that possibility cannot be ruled out at this stage.

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