Nikola Suspects ‘Foul Play’ in Fire at Phoenix Headquarters
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Nikola Corp. suspects “foul play” after an early-morning fire broke out at its Phoenix headquarters that affected several of its electric big rigs.
No one was injured in the blaze, the company said June 23 in a tweet.
An investigation is underway after a vehicle was seen in the area of the trucks prior to the incident, Nikola said.
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 Motor Company (@nikolamotor) June 23, 2023
More than 50 firefighters were dispatched around 4:30 a.m. local time to the scene, where they found four trucks on fire, Capt. Todd Keller of the Phoenix Fire Department said in an interview. Investigators remain on scene but have not concluded whether the situation was a result of arson, he said.
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
Nikola didn’t comment beyond its tweet.
The situation adds to headaches for Nikola, which said last week it would cut 270 jobs to reduce expenses and preserve cash. It’s also grappling with delivery challenges, executive turnover and calls from its ousted founder, Trevor Milton, to replace leadership.
Shares of the company fell 6.5% to $1.28 in midmorning trading in New York.
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