Rome's fire service is currently investigating a blaze that destroyed at least 17 Tesla vehicles early Monday morning at one of the American automaker's stores. Fortunately, no personal injuries were reported, but local authorities are looking into the possibility of vandalism.
"We are aware of the incident that occurred in Rome on March 31," Tesla said in a statement. "We are actively investigating the incident and will work with local authorities to determine the cause of the event."
While the cause of the blaze remains unknown, InsideEVs Italy has been to the site and has indeed noticed that the Tesla Store itself is completely intact and regularly open. Instead, the flames hit some cars waiting for delivery to customers, parked in an adjacent area.
Police are carrying out the investigation and have fenced off the area to protect it from onlookers. The photos you see, published exclusively here, were taken prior to the site's closure by law enforcement.
If confirmed, the act of vandalism would fit the pattern of other acts against the automaker in recent weeks. In the United States over the weekend, thousands of activists gathered for some of the largest "Tesla Takedown" protests yet as citizens, including current and former Tesla owners, expressed their dissent for the political machinations of CEO Elon Musk. Most protests have remained peaceful, but Musk has also linked them to various acts of vandalism, including fires, involving Tesla's vehicles and stores.
Similar incidents in Europe. In Toulouse, France, eight cars caught fire earlier this month, while in Ottersberg, Germany, a fire affected seven other vehicles in the past few days alone.
Police in Tesla's home of Austin, Texas found incendiary devices at a dealership, which led to the intervention of the local bomb squad. In Las Vegas, Nevada, a man was arrested on charges of arson and vandalism to Tesla vehicles and a Tesla service center.
This is a breaking news story. It may be updated soon.
