A fire at a Tesla showroom in Italy has destroyed 17 electric cars

A fire broke out at a Tesla showroom on the outskirts of Rome early Monday morning, destroying at least 17 electric cars.

Xinhua reported that a spokesman for the Italian fire department said that it was not possible to determine the specific cause of the fire. An investigation has been launched and arson has not been ruled out and "all possibilities are being investigated".

The fire broke out at around 4.30am on Monday and firefighters and police rushed to the scene. Due to the rapid spread of the fire, 17 cars in the exhibition hall were burned and the building structure was damaged. Authorities said investigators were retrieving scene surveillance and conducting a scene survey.

According to Italian media reports, the fire may be linked to anarchist protests.