LAS VEGAS – A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, killing the driver and injuring seven others.
The FBI is investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism. Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing the vehicle near the hotel.
The explosion occurred shortly after another tragic event in New Orleans, where a truck drove into crowds, killing 15 people.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated, “Given the location and timing, we have many questions to address.”
FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz confirmed the Cybertruck had been rented in Colorado and that authorities had identified the driver but were not ready to release their identity.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified the explosion was not due to the Cybertruck itself. In a post on X, Musk said, “The explosion was caused by fireworks and/or a bomb in the truck bed and is unrelated to the vehicle’s design or function. Telemetry data from the truck was positive at the time of the incident.”
The Cybertruck and the vehicle involved in the New Orleans attack were rented via the car-sharing service Turo. A Turo spokesperson stated that neither renter had a criminal background.
The Trump Hotel was evacuated, and guests were relocated to nearby accommodations. Two of the injured were treated at a hospital for minor injuries.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, commented on X, “Earlier today, an incident involving an electric vehicle occurred at Trump Las Vegas. Thankfully, no major injuries were reported among guests.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the explosion and its possible connection to other recent events.