A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others. The FBI is investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism.
Witness videos captured the explosion as flames engulfed the vehicle parked outside the hotel. The incident occurred hours after a truck attack killed 15 New Year’s Day revelers in New Orleans, prompting heightened security concerns.
The Trump International Hotel, owned by the Trump Organization, was evacuated following the blast. President-elect Donald Trump, returning to the White House on January 20, has ties to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who supported his 2024 campaign.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill acknowledged the numerous questions raised by the incident. FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz stated it was too early to confirm if the explosion was terrorism-related.
The Cybertruck, rented in Colorado, was carrying fireworks or a bomb in its bed, Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified on X, stating the blast was unrelated to the vehicle’s design or function.
One person inside the Cybertruck was killed, and seven others sustained minor injuries. Two were hospitalized. The vehicle, along with the one used in the New Orleans attack, had been rented via car-sharing platform Turo.
Turo confirmed no criminal history linked to the renters. Both incidents involved potential explosive devices.
The Cybertruck arrived at the hotel at 8:40 a.m. local time. Firefighters extinguished the flames within minutes. Visitors were relocated, and the Trump Hotel was temporarily closed.
Eric Trump, an executive with the Trump Organization, called the event a “reported electric vehicle fire” in a post on X. Investigations are ongoing.
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