After serious accidents in a German Gigafactory: Tesla needs an explanation

The Brandenburg state parliament could soon scrutinize the Tesla factory in Grünheide. After a report by Stern on a large number of industrial accidents, the left called for a commission of inquiry. Other opposition parties are open to this. However, they want to wait until after the state elections in September 2024.

The BVB/Free Voters faction demanded that a parliamentary investigation be carried out if allegations are confirmed that the number of industrial and environmental accidents at Tesla is unusually high compared to the sector. This is especially the case if there is a suspicion that the responsible authorities were aware of this, but did not respond adequately. “However, such an investigative committee may only be established after the elections,” said MP Philip Zeschmann

AfD is temporarily blocking the investigative committee

The call for a commission of inquiry currently has no prospect of success. Although the AfD was also open to the proposal of left-wing faction leader Sebastian Walter, it rejected an investigative commission before the 2024 state elections. But after the elections you can ‘imagine that’. On Friday, Musk made an indirect election recommendation for the AfD on X, formerly Twitter.

Ironically, the AfD had previously railed against and exploited the Tesla factory near Berlin for its xenophobic policies for years.

247 rescue missions at Tesla

Citing previously unknown documents from authorities and emergency services, ‘Stern’ reported that an unusually high number of industrial accidents had occurred at the Tesla factory in Grünheide since it opened a year and a half ago. In the first year after opening, ambulances or helicopters were called 247 times. According to rescue reports, the operations included burns, chemical burns and even limb amputations.

According to the Brandenburg Ministry of Social Affairs, there were seven serious industrial accidents. However, the ministry did not classify the figures as unusual and referred to regular checks. Tesla itself did not comment on the documents or the allegations from employees and labor lawyers.

According to the State Environment Agency, there have also been 26 environmental accidents since it opened in March 2022. The company had dismissed the concerns.

‘Tesla must create transparency’

Brandenburg Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) also responded to the accusations. “Every industrial accident is one too many,” Woidke told the Tagesspiegel. Tesla must clarify these allegations “and completely.” “Tesla must create transparency,” says Woidke. He rejected the accusation of a lack of controls, but still sees room for improvement.

The IG Metall union also spoke out. “We have been concerned about occupational safety at Tesla in Grünheide for a long time,” says Dirk Schulze, district manager Berlin-Brandenburg-Saxony. According to Schulze, numerous employees reported accidents and health problems.

The citizens’ initiative Grünheide and the Association for Nature and Landscape in Brandenburg, who see dangers to the environment and groundwater in the Tesla factory, are calling, like the left, for an investigation committee.

(t-online/oli)