Authorities are investigating a deadly Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas as a potential terror attack.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the valet area of the hotel, killing the truck’s driver and injuring seven others nearby. The explosion, which caused significant damage, has raised questions about the vehicle’s contents and circumstances leading to the blast.
Details of the Incident
The explosion was reported at 8:40 a.m. local time (4:40 p.m. UK time), with emergency crews responding swiftly to the scene. The truck’s driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was killed in the fire. Seven other individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Clark County officials confirmed the blaze occurred in the hotel’s valet area, forcing an evacuation of parts of the building. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by screams and chaotic evacuation orders.
Terrorism Investigation Underway
Three senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that the incident is being investigated as a possible terror attack. The FBI has joined local authorities in the probe.
While the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that the blast was likely caused by “very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck.”
“This is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” Musk added, noting that all vehicle telemetry data was positive at the time of the explosion.
Links to Another Attack Ruled Out
Officials have stated that the Las Vegas explosion is not believed to be connected to the deadly Ford pick-up truck attack in New Orleans earlier this week, despite both vehicles being rented from the same company.
Reactions and Responses
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and son of President-elect Donald Trump, acknowledged the incident on social media, praising fire crews and local police for their swift response.
“We are grateful for the professionalism and quick action of first responders,” he wrote.
Hotel guests, including holidaymakers celebrating the New Year, described scenes of panic. Mary Lescano Paguada, visiting from Texas, said:
“We heard an explosion and saw law enforcement rushing in. Hotel staff told us to get out and warned us not to breathe the smoke.”
Tesla’s Statement
Tesla’s senior team is actively investigating the incident, with Musk pledging transparency as more details emerge. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” Musk said, assuring the public that the Cybertruck’s design was not at fault.
What’s Next?
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement examining the possibility of criminal intent and terrorist motivations. Authorities have not ruled out other scenarios, and a full report is expected in the coming days.
The Trump International Hotel, a 64-story property near the Las Vegas Strip, remains partially evacuated as officials assess the scene.
