A major fire completely destroyed at least 17 Tesla vehicles at a Tesla dealer on the outskirts of Rome on Monday morning. Fortunately, no one was in the building, and no injuries were reported.
Course of the Fire and Investigations
The Italian fire department is currently investigating the incident and is considering all possible causes of the fire – arson cannot be ruled out. The local police have already contacted the dealers and secured the surveillance video to clarify the course of events.
Background: Repeated Incidents in Italy
The fire occurs at a time when Tesla vehicles in Italy are increasingly becoming targets of vandalism and arson attacks. Just a week ago, another dealer in North Rome burned down, destroying 30 vehicles, including used Teslas. In districts like Garbatella, the upbringing area of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, several Teslas were damaged with graffiti and spray-painted messages. In recent times, such acts have been linked to anti-Elon Musk and anti-Donald Trump slogans.
International Reactions and Protests
The incidents in Rome are part of a global wave of protests and vandalism at Tesla locations. In the USA, for example, demonstrators have loudly protested against Elon Musk and his political decisions at several Tesla dealers. Similar incidents have also been reported in France and other regions.
Conclusion
The fire at the Tesla dealer in Rome highlights the current challenges faced by Tesla in Italy – from vandalism to precautionary arson attacks. While investigations are still ongoing, authorities hope to soon gain clarity about the exact course of the fire. For Tesla and its customers, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to these repeated incidents.