An explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck occurred outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning (January 1st 2025).
Clark County Fire Department crews swiftly extinguished the flames from the Cybertruck explosion, preventing further damage and ensuring public safety.
The vehicle, containing firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, exploded in the valet area, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders with minor injuries.
FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz stated: “Our number one goal is to ensure that we have the proper identification of the subject involved in this incident.
“Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this was an act of terrorism or not.”
Firefighters from the Clark County Fire Department responded to the scene and worked with law enforcement to extinguish the fire caused by the explosion.
Footage from the aftermath showed the truck bed filled with charred fireworks and fuel canisters, with the blast directed upward, limiting the damage to surrounding structures.
The hotel, located near the Las Vegas Strip, was evacuated as a safety measure, and guests were relocated.
Authorities are exploring possible connections between this incident and a deadly attack in New Orleans, where a truck was driven into a crowd on New Year’s Day, killing 15 people.
Both vehicles involved were rented through Turo, an app-based car rental platform. The company is cooperating with investigators and stated that the renters had no criminal records.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that investigators are also examining the explosion’s potential political links due to the truck’s proximity to the Trump Hotel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s connection to President-elect Donald Trump.
Emergency responders emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the Las Vegas community.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, with federal agencies working closely with local law enforcement to determine whether terrorism was involved.
Eric Trump, an executive at the Trump Organization, expressed gratitude for the swift response from firefighters and law enforcement, stating that safety remains a priority for hotel staff and guests.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders.
The vehicle, containing fireworks and fuel canisters, detonated in the hotel’s valet area. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and the site was secured.
Authorities are investigating potential links to a New Orleans truck attack that occurred earlier this week, as well as any political or terrorism-related motives. Both vehicles were rented through the Turo app.
Federal and local agencies continue to collaborate on the investigation, while officials assure the public that there is no current threat to safety.
