A mystery fire has destroyed 17 Tesla Electronic Vehicle cars parked at a Tesla outlet in Rome, the Italian capital.
Rome fire service is currently investigating the source of the fire, which is coming against the background of protests against Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla because of his involvement in American politics.
There was no injury to workers at the premises and no damage to the property except for the cars, which were parked outside ready for delivery to the buyers.
“We are aware of the incident that occurred in Rome on March 31,” Tesla said in a statement Monday. “We are actively investigating the incident and will work with local authorities to determine the cause of the event.”
Teslsa has faced a backlash of protest around the world. 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.
