German police suspect a politically motivated arson attack after two high-voltage pylons caught fire in the Johannisthal neighbourhood of south-eastern Berlin, causing a widespread power outage affecting thousands.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday on Königsheideweg street, with emergency services alerted around 3 a.m. (0100 GMT). Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within an hour, but the flames caused significant damage to thick electrical cables on the pylons.

A police spokesman confirmed that criminal investigators are currently at the scene, examining evidence which suggests the use of an accelerant in the attack.

Authorities believe the deliberate nature of the incident and the choice of target point to extremist involvement, though the political affiliation of the perpetrators remains unclear.

The power cut has impacted approximately 43,000 households and 3,000 businesses across several districts including Altglienicke, Grünau, Adlershof, Spindlersfeld, Alt-Johannisthal, and Oberschöneweide. Restoration of electricity supply is expected to take some time, according to fire brigade officials.

The outage has also disrupted local tram services and traffic lights, complicating movement and safety in the affected areas.

Emergency teams were dispatched to two nursing homes, where several patients were transferred to nearby hospitals as a precaution.

Police continue to investigate the incident as part of a broader effort to understand the motive and bring those responsible to justice.

A 36-year-old pilot has died following the crash of a light aircraft during agricultural spraying operations near Yeelanna, a rural town located approximately 275 kilometres west of Adelaide, South Australia.

The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time on Monday, according to a statement from the South Australia Police. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency services and Major Crash investigators were deployed to the crash site on Monday evening to determine the cause of the incident.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has also launched a formal investigation. In a statement, the ATSB confirmed that the Air Tractor agricultural aircraft was engaged in crop-spraying operations when it collided with terrain.

Specialist investigators in aircraft operations are being dispatched to the scene to collect evidence, document the wreckage, and interview any relevant witnesses.

The ATSB added that key components of the aircraft will be transported to its technical facilities in Canberra for further analysis.

The identity of the pilot has not yet been released, and investigations are ongoing.

An Egyptian national, Mohammed Saleh, aged 56, tragically died after collapsing while dining at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel located in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The incident, which took place on Friday night, has sparked an ongoing police investigation into the cause of his sudden death.

Security expert Zazazola Makama shared details of the incident on social media platform X, revealing that Saleh was dining with three other individuals when he suddenly slumped. The hotel’s security supervisor, Francis Yusuf, promptly reported the case to the Wuse Police Division at approximately 9:24 p.m., prompting immediate medical and law enforcement response.

Saleh was first taken to King’s Care Hospital in Wuse Zone 4 before being referred to the Wuse District Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for a thorough autopsy as authorities seek to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his passing.

The police have opened a formal investigation into the matter, with the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, acknowledging the case but yet to provide detailed updates.

This incident adds to a growing list of cases involving foreign nationals found dead in Nigerian hotels, raising concerns about health emergencies and emergency response protocols in hospitality venues. Earlier this year, an 80-year-old Colombian man, Quesada Alfonso, was found dead in a hotel room in FESTAC Town, Lagos State.

Authorities investigated that case as well, noting the deceased had been residing in the hotel for several months prior to his death.

As the investigation into Mohammed Saleh’s death continues, the hospitality industry and security agencies are reminded of the critical importance of swift emergency response and enhanced safety measures to protect guests and residents alike. The outcome of the autopsy and police findings will shed more light on this unfortunate event.

Residents and visitors to Abuja await further information from law enforcement on this tragic occurrence.