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Police Favor Arson After Fire Destroys 24 EVs at Tesla Dealership Near Marseille

Investigators now lean toward arson after evidence of intrusion, including multiple ignition points.

Overview

  • The overnight blaze ignited around 3 a.m. Thursday at Tesla's Les Pennes‑Mirabeau site, torching 24 electric vehicles.
  • Roughly 50 firefighters contained the fire by about 6:30 a.m., keeping the showroom and about 50 nearby cars intact.
  • A cut fence and signs of several separate fire starts were found, leading police to prioritize a criminal-origin hypothesis.
  • The Aix-en-Provence prosecutor opened an investigation for destruction by dangerous means in organized gang and criminal association, with CCTV analysis under way and losses estimated near €600,000.
  • No injuries were reported, and the dealership reopened to customers later that morning.