Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. A Cybertruck loaded with fireworks and gas canisters erupted in a catastrophic explosion near the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas early Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others, according to authorities.
The FBI, through its Joint Terrorism Task Force, is probing the incident to determine whether it constitutes an act of terrorism. The explosion, which occurred along the famed Las Vegas Boulevard, unfolded mere hours after a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of New Year’s revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, claiming at least 15 lives and injuring dozens more. The New Orleans attack is also under investigation as a potential act of terrorism.
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been in direct communication with investigators, offering assistance, including video footage. “We are thoroughly examining any connection between this and the New Orleans tragedy, as well as other global incidents,” McMahill stated. He emphasized there is no immediate threat to the public but assured the investigation would remain exhaustive.
The Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside the Trump Hotel at approximately 8:40 a.m. after the Cybertruck, rented via the Turo app in Colorado, drove along Las Vegas Boulevard before pulling up to the Trump Tower entrance. Surveillance footage captured the moment the vehicle suddenly burst into flames, creating a massive explosion characterized by flashes of fireworks.
The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was killed instantly. Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries. Sheriff McMahill revealed that authorities have identified the individual who rented the truck but have not disclosed the name pending notification of next of kin. As of Wednesday evening, the remains of the driver were still inside the charred vehicle.
Video of the Tesla Cybertruck with Mortars, gas canisters, and fireworks
Photos released by law enforcement show the Cybertruck, its exterior largely intact, but its interior gutted by fire. Fireworks and gas canisters were visible among the wreckage. Musk took to social media platform X, which he owns, to assert that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle itself, attributing the devastation to “very large fireworks or a bomb” placed in the truck bed.
Sheriff McMahill credited the truck’s design with mitigating the explosion’s impact. “The blast traveled upward, sparing significant damage to the hotel’s glass doors,” he said.
The Cybertruck’s journey from Colorado to Las Vegas was meticulously traced using Tesla’s surveillance footage, which Musk personally provided to investigators. “Elon Musk has been immensely cooperative, sharing critical information that has advanced our inquiry,” McMahill remarked.
The incident has heightened security across the Las Vegas Strip, with additional patrols deployed to prevent potential copycat attacks. The Trump International Hotel remains closed, and guests have been relocated to nearby accommodations.
This explosion adds to the mounting scrutiny surrounding Musk’s ties to former President Donald Trump. Musk, who invested $277 million last year supporting Trump and Republican candidates, has cultivated a visible partnership with the former president.
The tragedy coincided with the Strip’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which drew an estimated 400,000 attendees. The Trump property, notably, did not participate in the festivities.
Eyewitnesses, including Stephen Ferlando, who observed the incident from his 53rd-floor room at Trump Tower, described the explosion as violent enough to shake windows. The Trump Organization, in a statement, praised the first response and emphasized the Trump Organization and its commitment to guest safety.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, briefed on the situation while at Camp David, directed federal agencies to provide any necessary support.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant, exploring every angle of this unnerving incident.
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