The Tesla assembly plant outside Berlin was forced to halt production early Tuesday after a high-voltage pylon nearby was set on fire, causing a blaze that cut off electricity to the factory and the surrounding region, according to police reports.
The Brandenburg police responded to the fire at the power mast near Tesla’s plant, which did not cause any damage to the building but resulted in a power outage affecting the plant and approximately 60,000 residents in the area. All employees were evacuated, and production was temporarily suspended.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, cautioning against speculation on the motive behind the arson. Social media has been abuzz with accusations pointing towards environmental activists, although no official statements have been made regarding the perpetrators.
The plant has been a point of contention for some residents and environmental protesters, with ongoing opposition to Tesla’s expansion plans in the area. Last month, a majority of voters in Grünheide voted against the company’s proposed developments, prompting local officials to reconsider their approach.
In a concerning development, a group claiming affiliation with the antifascist movement, known as “Vulkangruppe,” has reportedly taken responsibility for the attack. This group has been linked to previous incidents of arson in the region, raising concerns about potential future disruptions.
Despite the setback, Tesla’s assembly plant in Grünheide remains a key facility for the company’s operations in Europe, with plans to increase production capacity significantly in the coming years. The incident underscores the challenges faced by companies operating in contentious environments and the need for dialogue and cooperation to address community concerns.
