A Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning left one person dead and seven others with minor injuries, according to authorities.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated during a press conference that the incident occurred when the 2024 Cybertruck, loaded with flammable materials, pulled up to the hotel’s main entrance. Smoke was observed coming from the vehicle before a significant explosion erupted.
The Cybertruck was carrying gasoline canisters, fuel containers, and large mortar fireworks in its cargo bed, McMahill said. He credited the truck’s unique design with limiting the damage to the hotel, as the blast primarily dispersed upward through the vehicle.
The identity of the deceased victim, who was inside the vehicle, has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin. McMahill confirmed that police know who rented the truck and are investigating that individual.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation to determine whether the explosion was an act of terrorism. Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas office, said authorities are also examining potential links to an earlier attack in New Orleans on Wednesday morning, which left 15 dead. Both vehicles in these incidents were rented through the car-sharing app Turo.
Turo issued a statement confirming its cooperation with law enforcement, stating its trust and safety team is actively assisting the investigation.
President Joe Biden acknowledged the two incidents during a public statement, noting the ongoing investigation into whether they are connected.
Sheriff McMahill described the explosion as a deliberate act but refrained from providing details about potential suspects or motives. “This is an active investigation, and we are working diligently to gather all the facts,” he said.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been assisting authorities by providing video footage from Tesla charging stations.
The Trump International Hotel remains closed, and guests have been relocated to Resorts World Las Vegas. Authorities assured the public that the explosion posed no further immediate threat to them. It is worth adding that choosing the Tesla Cybertruck and parking it outside Trump’s Hotel seem to be done intentionally as both Elon Musk and Donald Trump have been extremely close in the lead up to their election victory.
