Unrest in Grünheide
There is unrest again around the Tesla factory in Grünheide, Germany. There are protests against the expansion plans and the power has been cut after a fire near the factory. A left-wing extremist group has claimed responsibility.
According to German media, there was an explosion early on Tuesday morning at a power pole near the Tesla factory in Grünheide. Then the power went out in the factory and the factory was evacuated. The fire brigade was deployed to extinguish the fire and the police called in a helicopter to investigate. The police also deployed a drone.
The German police suspect foul play. Activists are currently demonstrating against Tesla’s expansion plans for the factory. Since last week, the activists have occupied a forest next to the car factory, including with tree houses. They do not agree that trees should be cut down for the expansion. A majority already voted against the expansion in a local referendum. Tesla wants to expand from 300 hectares to 470 hectares, including for a train station for goods supply, storage halls and a childcare center for employees’ children.
Update 13:14 – Responsibility for fire claimed:
A left-wing extremist action group claims responsibility for the arson of an electricity pylon and the power outage at the large Tesla factory near Berlin. The claim comes from Vulkangruppe, or Volcano Group, reports DPA news agency. According to the action group, it was an act of protest against the car manufacturer. “We sabotaged Tesla today,” said a letter from Vulkangruppe reported by DPA. Due to the power outage, the Tesla factory near Grünheide is at a standstill. The factory has been evacuated. The police said they already suspected arson at the power pole.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl