Woman Accidentally Locked In During House Clearance, Firefighters Rescue Her Through Window

Firefighters had to rescue a woman through a window in Berlin-Mitte on 14/15 October 2026 after she was accidentally locked inside during the clearance of a contested residential building. According to the fire brigade, the woman had not left the flat when officials sealed the apartments and only called for help afterwards, when she realised she could no longer open the door. A ladder truck was deployed and she was brought down unharmed. The incident has fuelled criticism of the way the eviction was carried out: residents and supporters accuse the authorities of acting too hastily and failing to check all rooms. The building had been the subject of a long legal dispute between tenants and the owner. Investigations into the handling of the operation are expected.