Major Power Outage and Fire Cause Chaos
Berlin witnessed chaos as a Tesla “gigafactory” near the city had to be evacuated following a fire and significant power outage. The incident, suspected to be a case of arson, prompted a rapid response from local authorities.
Arson Suspected, Investigation Underway
Police in the state of Brandenburg are actively investigating a letter claiming responsibility for the fire, allegedly from a far-left environmental group named Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group). However, the authenticity of the letter is yet to be confirmed. The incident is being treated as a potential arson attack, with a damaged electricity pylon in the area being a focal point of the investigation.
Consequences of the Attack
Brandenburg state Interior Minister Michael Stübgen condemned the incident, stating, “If the initial findings are confirmed, this is a perfidious attack on our electricity infrastructure.” The attack left thousands without power and endangered lives in the affected communities.
Production Halted at Tesla’s European Factory
The fire damaged a high-voltage pylon, leading to a power cut in the vicinity of the Tesla factory in Grünheide. As a result, production at the U.S. automaker’s only European factory came to a standstill, causing inconvenience and economic repercussions.
Environmental Activists’ Presence in the Area
Authorities are cautious about linking the incident to ongoing protests by environmental activists near the Tesla plant. The activists, who have occupied part of a state forest, are protesting against the expansion plans of Elon Musk’s company in the region.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between development, environmental concerns, and public safety in the region. The investigation into the suspected arson is ongoing, with authorities working to ensure the safety and security of the affected areas.