In a suspected terrorist incident at Neukölln S-Bahn station, federal police attempted to question a man on Wednesday afternoon, but he fled, leaving behind a bag containing what appeared to be an explosive device. Nius reports that the bag held a “grayish substance” believed to be TATP, or “Mother of Satan,” a highly unstable explosive linked to prior attacks in Europe. The police detonated the bag safely in a nearby park, though the suspect remains at large.
In a separate incident, Berlin emergency services were called to a major fire at the Amrit Indian restaurant in Berlin-Mitte early Thursday morning. Bild reports that the fire spread quickly from the ground-floor restaurant through ventilation ducts to apartments above, forcing a full evacuation.
Over 113 firefighters tackled the flames, which were finally extinguished around 10 a.m. Four residents sustained minor injuries, while ten others were treated for smoke inhalation. The fire department declared the scene a “mass casualty incident” and took further steps to prevent any lingering embers from reigniting the blaze.
The incidents come as Berlin police prepare for possible disturbances on Halloween night, following a pattern of escalating pranks and vandalism in recent years. Die Welt reports that Halloween has seen increasing incidents of violence, particularly in districts like Neukölln, Gesundbrunnen, and Graefekiez, where young people threw firecrackers, eggs, and bottles at police last year. Authorities in Berlin, as well as in North Rhine-Westphalia, are taking precautions, with plans to shut down public transport in the city of Duisburg if necessary.
According to Die Welt, the “sometimes tense situation at gatherings in the context of the Gaza war also plays a role in assessing the situation. According to the police, there are currently no concrete indications of ‘an increased risk.’ However, the situation is being continuously monitored.”
While there are no specific threats tied to Halloween events, police presence will be significant, focusing on potential hotspots across the city. Officers from various states are prepared to support Berlin law enforcement as needed, aiming to prevent any escalation of disturbances or violence.
North Rhine-Westphalia interior minister Herbert Reul urged people to celebrate Halloween peacefully. “Go out, dress up, be a witch, a mummy or a ghost. Go around the houses with your children, but remember: even pranks have limits.”
