Sabotage on Berlin-Greenheide Railway Line: Activists Claim Responsibility
Berlin Railway Arson Linked to Tesla Gigafactory Expansion and Environmental Concerns
Berlin, Germany – Activists have taken responsibility for a fire that severed a critical cable shaft along a railway line near Berlin, leading to disruptions in regional and long-distance train services.
In a statement published on the internet platform Indymedia, the group claimed the sabotage action was directed against Deutsche Bahn, the German railway operator, and Tesla, the electric car manufacturer.
Environmental Concerns Drive Attack
The activists stated that their action targeted Tesla’s Gigafactory expansion in Grünheide, Brandenburg. They alleged that the project involved the construction of new railway infrastructure and a freight yard, leading to environmental damage and deforestation.
"In November, excavators rolled in and carved a swath of destruction through the forest," the activists wrote. They also criticized Tesla for allegedly securing permission to expand its factory despite local opposition and obtaining a new water permit that would allow the company to discharge more toxic wastewater.
Impact on Train Services
The arson attack on the cable shaft has resulted in significant disruptions to train services in Berlin, particularly along lines RE2, RE7, RB21, and RB23. The Berliner Verkehrsinformationszentrale (VIZ) reported that Eurocity connections between Berlin and Poland have also been affected.
According to Deutsche Bahn, crews are working tirelessly to repair the damaged infrastructure. However, the company has acknowledged that the sabotage action has disrupted its operations, initially attributing it to vandalism.
Service Modifications
Due to the ongoing repairs, train services on the affected lines are experiencing the following modifications:
- RE2: Rerouted through Berlin Jungfernheide, Gesundbrunnen, and Lichtenberg. All other urban stops are suspended.
- RE7: Rerouted through Berlin-Gesundbrunnen and Ostkreuz.
- RE21: Rerouted through Berlin-Charlottenburg, ending and beginning at Zoologischer Garten.
- RB23: Beginning and ending at Berliner Ostbahnhof.
Investigation and Suspect Identification
German authorities have launched an investigation into the cable shaft fire and are pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators. The activists responsible for the attack have not been apprehended at this time.
Activists’ Stance
The statement released by the activists expressed a strong stance against Tesla’s expansion and the environmental consequences associated with the Gigafactory project.
"We are fighting against the destruction of our environment, the expansion of environmentally harmful industries, and the displacement of local communities," the activists declared.
They emphasized that their actions were not random acts of violence but a calculated response to the perceived threats posed by Tesla and Deutsche Bahn.
Public Reaction
The arson incident has sparked a mixed reaction from the public. Some individuals have condemned the act as a criminal offense that jeopardizes public safety and disrupts essential services. Others have expressed sympathy for the activists’ environmental concerns and questioned the priorities of large corporations.
Ongoing Developments
The investigation into the sabotage action remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the authorities continue their work. Train services on the affected lines are expected to be gradually resumed as repairs progress, although delays and disruptions may persist for some time.
