Fire and Power Outage Prompt Investigation
Police in Brandenburg evacuated the Tesla “gigafactory” near Berlin following a fire and major power outage, suspected to be arson. A letter claiming responsibility from an environmental group is being inspected.
Power Cuts and Arson Attack
An area near the factory in Grünheide faced power cuts after a fire damaged an electricity pylon. Brandenburg’s Interior Minister called it a “perfidious attack” endangering thousands.
Production Halted
The fire damaged the high-voltage line, cutting power to surrounding areas and halting production at Tesla’s European factory. An investigation has been launched by the State Office of Criminal Investigation.
Concerns Over Environmental Activists
No immediate link was made to recent protests near the factory. Environmental activists had occupied part of a state forest near the Tesla plant in an ongoing demonstration.
Investigation Continues
The Volcano Group, a left-wing extremist organization, purportedly called for the destruction of Tesla’s Gigafactory. Authorities cautioned against premature speculation as the investigation unfolds.