Kathmandu: Las Vegas police are investigating an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck filled with fuel canisters and firework mortars outside the Trump Hotel. The blast, which occurred at approximately 8:40 AM PT on Wednesday, killed the driver and left seven others with minor injuries.
Authorities revealed the truck was rented in Colorado and had arrived in Las Vegas just two hours before the explosion. Parked near the hotel’s glass entrance, the vehicle began emitting smoke before detonating, sending bursts of colorful fireworks in multiple directions.
In a press briefing, Sheriff Kevin McMahill showed footage of the explosion and images of the aftermath, including charred fuel canisters and remnants of over a dozen firework mortars. Investigators are exploring potential connections to a separate attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which left 15 people dead after a truck drove into a crowd.
President Joe Biden addressed the incidents, confirming that the White House is closely monitoring the investigations. The FBI is also involved, probing whether the Las Vegas explosion might constitute an act of terrorism. However, authorities have yet to identify the driver and found no evidence linking the incident to the Islamic State group, despite initial concerns.
The Cybertruck, rented through the app-based platform Turo, is also being scrutinized alongside the New Orleans vehicle, which was similarly rented. Turo confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement, emphasizing that the renters involved had no prior criminal backgrounds.
Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, described the event as a “reported electric vehicle fire” and praised emergency responders for their swift actions. The hotel was evacuated, with guests relocated for safety.
The explosion comes at a time when Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Donald Trump have been collaborating, with Musk recently appointed to co-lead a presidential advisory commission. Sheriff McMahill acknowledged the symbolic elements of the incident, stating, “A Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel—there’s lots of questions that we have to answer.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials assuring the public there is no further threat to the community.