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Tesla Halts German Factory After Suspected Arson Nearby

  • Group claims to have set electricity tower fire to hurt Tesla
  • EV factory has long been the focus of environmental protests
A burnt electricity pylon in Brandenburg, Germany, on March 5.Photographer: Sebastian Gollnow/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Photos
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Tesla Inc. stopped production at its factory outside of Berlin and sent workers home after suspected arson at a nearby electricity tower caused power failures throughout the region.

Brandenburg police have dispatched helicopters, drones and service dogs to investigate whether the fire in Gosen-Neu Zittau was set intentionally, local authorities said Tuesday. Tesla wasn’t yet able to say when production at its sole European factory can resume.