Cable Fire Near Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin Was Planned, Say Police

Brandenburg police believe a cable fire near Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin to be related to a deliberate attack, according to a report from RBB. The fire took place on a nearby cable that supplies the construction site with electricity near 3 a.m. on Wednesday, only about 1,640 feet (500 meters) from the Grünheide Gigafactory.

According to Brandenburg police, a number of unknown perpetrators allegedly arranged the cables in a way so that they would catch fire, and used a flammable liquid while doing so. Following the event, police are investigating an apparent letter of confession from an author called “Vulkangruppe,” or “Volcanic Group,” which claims that the author or group “cut the power supply for the construction site,” naming the specific date as well.

The letter, published on a leftist website, goes on to say, “Tesla is neither green, ecological nor social.” The letter continues, “Our fire stands against the lie of the green automobile.”

The cables are still in working condition, according to the report shared by police. The current attack comes following multiple incidents lodged against Tesla by environmental critics, including orders to stop clearing trees at the site last December and concerned citizens living in Grünheide.

Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin is set for completion by the end of 2021, after reportedly being forced to face a three-month delay because of the German approval process.