Reports: Arson near Tesla factory near Berlin

The Gigafactory of the American car manufacturer Tesla has been criticized since the start of construction. An arson is said to have taken place on Tuesday morning near the factory in Grünheide, Brandenburg, near Berlin. The “Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung” (MAZ) and the “Bild” report this with reference to independent sources. Environmentalists have occupied a forest within sight of the Tesla Gigafactory to protest the factory’s planned expansion.

The fire, which according to MAZ is said to have started on an electricity pole near the factory, is likely to have paralyzed the power supply in the large factory. Parts of the nearby town of Erkner were also affected by the power outage, the newspaper ‘Bild’ reported.

According to information from MAZ, the fire brigade had to briefly interrupt its firefighting operation. Because a tent belonging to environmental activists camping there was found near the site of the fire with a reference to possible buried explosives, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service took over the operation.

Police spokesman Roland Kamenz said the high-voltage pylon had to be free-standing in a field. A police helicopter was also deployed in the morning after the alarm was raised about the fire. So far, the spokesperson says about the possible cause: “We are investigating in all directions.”

Soon more information

(tonline)