Fire at a Rome Tesla dealership destroyed 17 EVs, causing at least $830K in damage
Angry public sentiment toward Tesla, Elon Musk, and the CEO’s government influence isn’t limited to the United States. Peaceful protests formed across the planet as part of the “Tesla Takedown” movement. However, a recent fire at a Tesla dealership in Rome, Italy, destroyed the better part of 20 EVs, and authorities are considering arson.
Authorities in the ancient city say they can’t rule out arson at the destructive Tesla dealership fire
Italian authorities are investigating a Monday morning fire at a Tesla dealership in the country’s capital. The fire reportedly broke out at around 4:00 a.m. and spread quickly in a crowded lot. Italian media showed images of burned Tesla Model Y and Model 3 EVs.
Fire crews acted quickly to quell the fire and save as much property as possible. Still, the proximity of vehicles and spreading fire had made its mark. By the time the authorities had extinguished the blaze, 17 EVs were destroyed. Depending on the model and options, the damage totals at least $830,000 (€767,148).
Unsurprisingly, authorities are investigating the possibility of arson. However, the investigating authorities haven’t released any details about a would-be arsonist. Still, the fire bookends a weekend of protest action.
The Tesla Takedown movement called for a “Global Day of Action” for March 29. Arson, however, was nowhere on the list of recommended actions. Instead, the Tesla Takedown called for peaceful demonstrations, dumping Tesla stock, and selling the automaker’s vehicles in protest of CEO Elon Musk and his government reach.
The expectation of arson isn’t ridiculous. Far from it, really. Earlier this month, an arsonist in Las Vegas set fire to multiple Tesla EVs with Molotov cocktails. However, unlike the recent Rome blaze, cameras captured the Las Vegas arsonist setting the fires and scribbling “RESIST” on the side of the Tesla dealership collision center. No doubt of arson there.
That wasn’t it for March, either. An arson incident in Massachusetts damaged several Tesla charging stations. Fortunately, the fires didn’t damage any homes or injure any bystanders.
