Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump Las Vegas hotel

LAS VEGAS,— A Tesla Cybertruck exploded and erupted into flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven others injured.

Authorities are investigating whether the incident, which comes on the same day as a deadly attack in New Orleans, was an act of terrorism.

The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Witness videos captured the Cybertruck engulfed in flames near the hotel’s porte-cochère, prompting an evacuation of the Trump Organization-owned property. Many guests were relocated to nearby hotels as a precaution.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted during a press conference that the Cybertruck, a 2024 model rented through the car-sharing platform Turo, had arrived at the hotel shortly before the explosion. “A Cybertruck, the Trump hotel, and the timing with the New Orleans incident—there are a lot of questions to answer,” McMahill said.

Earlier Wednesday, a truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 people after the driver rammed into New Year’s Day crowds. FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz stated that while the Las Vegas incident is under investigation, no conclusions have been reached regarding terrorism.

“We understand the public wants answers. Determining whether this is terrorism is a key part of our investigation,” Schwartz said.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X, confirming the Cybertruck itself was not the cause. “The explosion was the result of fireworks or a bomb placed in the truck bed. Vehicle telemetry confirms no faults with the Cybertruck,” Musk wrote.

Telemetry data, which collects and transmits information for analysis, showed no issues with the vehicle at the time of the blast.

Firefighters responded within minutes, extinguishing the fire quickly. Two injured individuals were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, while five others were treated on-site.

Turo confirmed the Cybertruck and a vehicle involved in the New Orleans attack had both been rented through its platform. A company spokesperson said, “Neither renter had a criminal record that would flag them as potential security threats. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement.”

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, also commented on X, saying, “An electric vehicle fire occurred at the Trump Las Vegas entrance earlier today. We are grateful for the rapid response by first responders.”

The FBI is also probing a reported explosive device found in the truck used in New Orleans. While no direct connection between the incidents has been confirmed, investigators are exploring possible links.

The Trump International Hotel remained closed for several hours as authorities completed their on-site investigation.

(With files from Reuters)