Tesla factory and Berlin hit by power outage amid arson probe
Because of the power outage, production at the Tesla factory in Grünheide has been halted, said a company spokesperson. The factory was evacuated.
This morning, a fire broke out on the power line, causing an outage. Parts of Berlin and the town of Erkner are also without electricity.
Malicious arson
The police are investigating the possibility of arson. The Brandenburg Minister of the Interior, Michael Stübgen, said that, according to preliminary findings, "unknown perpetrators deliberately set fire to a high-voltage tower between Steinfurt and Hartmannsdorf".
Stübgen called this a "malicious arson" and announced consequences for the perpetrators. "Thousands of people have been cut off from essential services and put in danger," he said.
"Bild" reports that before 10 AM (Greenwich Time), in the region where the arson occurred, a bang was heard. Nearby, an eco-activist's hut was found. A sign next to it indicated that explosives had been buried there. Bomb disposal experts were called.
Since Thursday, about 80-100 environmental activists have been staying in the forest near the factory. Elon Musk's company wants to clear part of the forest to expand the facility. Activists are protesting against this. Many residents of Grünheide are also against the expansion.
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