Tesla Cybertruck Explosion at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas: One Dead, Seven Injured
LAS VEGAS — A Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday morning left one person dead and seven others injured. Authorities are investigating the incident and any possible links to a prior terror attack in New Orleans that claimed at least 15 lives earlier that day.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department described the explosion as an “isolated incident” during a press conference but acknowledged that investigators are exploring potential connections to the New Orleans attack. “There is no further threat to the community,” McMahill stated, while also emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.
Explosion Details and Investigation
The explosion occurred around 8:40 a.m. local time in the hotel’s porte cochère. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was killed in the blast. Gas canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars were found in the truck bed, according to authorities. The exact mechanism of ignition remains unclear.
The Cybertruck, a 2024 model, was rented through the Turo app in Colorado, the same service used for a vehicle involved in the New Orleans attack. Surveillance footage captured the Cybertruck’s journey to Las Vegas, including stops at charging stations.
Jeremy Schwartz, the acting FBI special agent in charge in Las Vegas, confirmed that the agency is determining whether the explosion qualifies as an act of terrorism. “Our goal is to uncover the truth, whether this was terrorism or something else,” he stated.
Eyewitness Accounts
Visitors at the hotel described chaotic scenes following the explosion. Oscar Terol, a tourist from Barcelona, narrowly avoided the blast while approaching the hotel entrance with his wife. “Those 10 seconds were the difference,” Terol said, describing flames and bursts of color from what appeared to be fireworks.
Todd Hansen, a guest on the 27th floor, heard loud popping sounds before being evacuated. Others, including Shir Poli from San Antonio, reported a gas-like smell in the building prior to the explosion.
Kerri Ford, a Wisconsin resident staying at the hotel, was preparing for her wedding when the evacuation disrupted her plans. “My dress and marriage license are still in the room,” Ford said. “We didn’t even know anything was happening until they told us to leave.”
Tesla and Trump Organization Respond
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, addressed the incident on social media platform X, stating that the explosion resulted from “very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck” and confirmed the vehicle was functioning properly.
Eric Trump, representing the Trump Organization, emphasized the safety of guests and staff in a statement, assuring that the hotel is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Connections to New Orleans Attack
Earlier on Wednesday, a truck attack in New Orleans killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more. While President Joe Biden attributed the New Orleans attack to ISIS inspiration, no such links have been established in the Las Vegas explosion. Federal and local authorities are actively investigating any connections between the two events.
The incident has raised concerns about heightened security risks, especially involving high-profile locations. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.
