Vacant Frohnau Hotel Engulfed in Flames: Large-Scale Firefighter Operation in Berlin
Berlin, February 1 – The roof structure of the vacant ‘Entenkeller’ hotel in Frohnau, within Berlin’s Reinickendorf district, caught fire on Saturday morning. The Berlin Fire Department was alerted at 7:32 AM and deployed approximately 60 emergency personnel to the scene. Fortunately, no individuals were inside the building at the time of the incident.
Challenges in Firefighting Operations
Firefighters faced significant challenges due to the weather conditions, as many of the surrounding hydrants were frozen and difficult to access. Despite this, a stable water supply was quickly established. Initial efforts to extinguish the fire were carried out from the exterior using two aerial ladders. Subsequently, an internal attack was launched to tackle remaining embers within the structure.
The ‘Entenkeller,’ a former listed hotel, has been vacant since 2006. The district authorities and the owner have been unable to reach an agreement regarding the building’s renovation, leaving the historic property in a state of disuse for an extended period.
Other Incidents in Berlin: A Summary of Bluelight News (January 31)
- Weissensee: Car Slides into Tram Tracks
On Sunday afternoon, a driver lost control of their vehicle at the intersection of Hansastrasse and Indira-Gandhi-Strasse in Weissensee, causing it to slide into the tram tracks. Initial reports suggest the driver was under the influence of alcohol. - Warschauer Brücke: Man Fires Blank Gun
In the early hours of Sunday, a man fired a blank gun at another individual in front of the Warschauer Strasse S-Bahn station in Friedrichshain. The 27-year-old victim sustained injuries to his nose and head and was taken to a hospital, which he later left at his own request. The 42-year-old shooter was arrested. - Pro-Kurdish Banner Hung at Victory Column
Unknown individuals hung a pro-Kurdish banner with the slogan “All eyes on Kobane” at the top of the Victory Column in Berlin’s Tiergarten on Saturday afternoon. Police were on site but could not identify anyone connected to the action. The Victory Column was temporarily closed to visitors. - A24 Motorway Accident: Two Injured in Coach Collision
A car collided with a coach carrying 45 passengers on the A24 motorway near Fehrbellin. The 40-year-old car driver sustained serious injuries, while a 38-year-old passenger on the bus suffered minor injuries. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. - Persistent Ice: Few Serious Accidents in Berlin
Despite ongoing icy temperatures and slippery roads, Berlin experienced relatively few serious accidents over the weekend. Both police and fire department spokespersons reported a comparatively calm weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing at the beginning of the coming week. - Britz: Apartment Building Roof Structure Catches Fire
The roof structure of an apartment building in Britz, Neukölln, caught fire on Saturday morning. Approximately 50 firefighters were involved in the multi-hour operation. All residents were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - Weissensee: 44-Year-Old Man Found Shot Dead in Van
Emergency services discovered a 44-year-old man deceased in a van in Berlin-Weissensee on Saturday morning. Police are investigating the incident. - Mahlsdorf: Deceased Person Found in Apartment, Homicide Commission Investigates
Following the discovery of a lifeless person in an apartment on Hultschiner Damm in Mahlsdorf, the homicide commission has launched an investigation. Emergency services were called to the scene on Saturday night, where a doctor could only confirm the person’s death. An individual was arrested outside the apartment. - Dahlem: Elderly Woman Brutally Attacked and Robbed
An 83-year-old woman was brutally attacked and robbed in Dahlem (Steglitz-Zehlendorf) on Thursday evening. The assailant pushed her, held her mouth shut, beat her, and dragged her into nearby bushes before taking her apartment key. A second individual acted as a lookout. The victim lay in the bushes for about an hour before a passerby found her. She was hospitalized with head and upper body injuries. Nothing was stolen from her apartment. - Barnim District: Two Men Found Deceased on Streets, Natural Causes Suspected
Two men were found deceased on the streets in the Barnim district under unexplained circumstances. In both cases, foul play is not suspected. A 60-year-old homeless man was found in a helpless state near Bernau train station and later died in hospital. A 67-year-old man with a permanent residence was found deceased in Oderberg. Criminal police are investigating the exact causes of death.
The fire at the ‘Entenkeller’ hotel highlights ongoing issues with vacant properties and their potential risks. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, while the Berlin Fire Department ensures the safety of the surrounding area.
Source: https://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article411032974/polizei-feuerwehr-news-aktuell-berlin-31-januar-tote-person-mahlsdorf-mordkommission-ermittelt.html
