In a surprising turn of events, Nikola, the electric and new energy semi truck manufacturer, revealed on Friday morning that a fire at its Phoenix, Arizona facility is suspected to have been caused by deliberate actions. Although details surrounding the incident remain limited, the company assured the public that no individuals were harmed during the blaze.
The Phoenix Fire Department swiftly responded to the emergency, dispatching hazardous materials crews to combat the flames that ignited early in the morning. Complicating the firefighting efforts was the fact that the affected trucks were manufactured by Nikola and equipped with lithium-ion batteries, intensifying the challenge of managing the fire.
Authorities reported that the inferno emitted thick plumes of black smoke and a potent chemical odor, creating an unsettling atmosphere in the vicinity, as reported by Fox 10. To ensure public safety, the fire department urged residents to steer clear of the area surrounding the incident, which took place near 40th Street and Broadway Road. At least four vehicles were damaged, according to ABC 15 Arizona.
Early this morning behind our Phoenix headquarters, a fire occurred which affected multiple battery electric trucks. No one has been injured. Foul play is suspected as a vehicle was seen in the area of the affected trucks just prior to the incident and an investigation is…
— Nikola Corporation (@nikolamotor) June 23, 2023
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined by the fire department, while Nikola indicated that it is eagerly awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation before disclosing further information. Via a tweet, the company hinted that a vehicle was spotted near the trucks shortly before the fire erupted, leading them to suspect intentional involvement in the incident.
Although the buildings adjacent to the affected trucks reportedly remain unharmed, the fire represents another setback for Nikola. This incident follows the recent announcement by the company to downsize its workforce at the Arizona facility by 120 employees, in addition to letting go of another 150 individuals at its European locations.
The restructuring plan was initiated by Nikola in response to financial challenges, aiming to achieve an annual saving of $50 million. Struggling with plunging stock prices earlier this month, the company even contemplated reversing its stock split to maintain its listing on the Nasdaq exchange.
Unfortunately for Nikola, the facility fire further complicates its situation, as Marketwatch reports a 10 percent drop in the company’s shares on Friday following the announcement of the incident.
Hazardous Materials crews from @PHXFire & @TempeFire are on the scene of multiple electric semi trucks on fire near 40th St and Broadway Rd, please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/RGivsaJAMT
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) June 23, 2023
