Suspected arson at Rheinmetall construction site in Germany prompts investigation into possible political motive
Three construction vehicles caught fire at a Rheinmetall construction site near Kassel-Calden Airport in Germany early on October 30, prompting a police investigation into suspected arson and a possible political motive, Der Spiegel reported.
A witness alerted firefighters and police at around 3:15 a.m. By the time emergency crews arrived, three construction vehicles were burning. Other vehicles parked nearby were also damaged.
Police suspect the fire was deliberately set, based on preliminary findings. The criminal police are investigating, with a state security unit in northern Hesse taking over the case because of the possibility of a political motive.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of the damage.
The site at Kassel-Calden Airport is intended to house a logistics and training center as well as a drone testing facility for German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall.
In August, Rheinmetall and the government of Hesse announced plans to invest more than €260 million in the site.