August 26, 2024

Rivian Normal Factory Fire Damages Vehicles, No Injuries Reported

Several dozens of Rivian R1 vehicles were reported to have been damaged after a fire broke out at a parking lot in the Rivian Normal, Il factory during the weekend. No injuries were reported.

A spokesperson from the Normal Fire Department informed The Verge that initial reports of a fire at the Rivian plant were called in at 9:43 p.m. CT on Saturday. The blaze was extinguished by midnight. Overall, the fire seemingly damaged 57 vehicles as per images taken of the blaze’s aftermath.

As per MotorTrend, the cars that were reportedly destroyed by the fire had been set aside for scrapping, though other sources have claimed that the vehicles were awaiting repair. Aerial photos of Rivian’s Normal plant taken after the fire show that the damaged vehicles were boxed in by several containers, which were likely used to help contain the blaze. 

Interestingly enough, the investigation into the fire is currently being led by Rivian and its insurance company. Normal’s fire officials are reportedly lending their support as necessary. 

Normal Fire Department spokesperson Matt Swaney shared a statement about the incident. 

“It is a very intricate and complex investigation so we do not have a timeline of when and if any origin or cause may be determined at this time. The assembly plant itself is unaffected by the incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or Rivian personnel,” he said. 

Rivian spokesperson Peebles Squire also confirmed the investigation in a comment. 

“We are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged a number of vehicles in a parking lot at our Normal plant late Saturday night. The plant itself is unaffected. There were no injuries. We are not providing further details at this time,” Squire noted. 

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Written by Teslarati Maria Merano