Tesla Cybertruck Fire Outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Claims One Life

Investigation Underway

Law enforcement officials are treating the explosion as a potential terrorist attack. However, the motive remains unclear, according to senior officials who spoke with NBC News.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X, emphasizing that the explosion was not linked to the vehicle itself. “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” Musk stated. “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”

Connection to Recent New Orleans Incident

The explosion came just hours after a separate incident in New Orleans, where a rented pickup truck was driven into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers on Bourbon Street. That attack left at least 15 dead and over 30 injured before police neutralized the driver. Authorities are investigating both cases for potential links.

Details of the Las Vegas Explosion

The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time. Clark County/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill provided details during a news conference.

“A 2024 Cybertruck pulled up to the front of the hotel and stopped near the glass entrance doors,” McMahill said. “Smoke began to emanate from the vehicle before an explosion occurred.”

The identity of the deceased individual inside the vehicle remains unknown. Meanwhile, first responders discovered seven people with minor injuries near the scene. Two were transported to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada for further treatment.

Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Touchstone urged the public to avoid the area as authorities continue their investigation and recover the body from the vehicle.

Hotel Evacuation and Response

Guests at the Trump International Hotel were evacuated and relocated to Resorts World Las Vegas. A statement from the Trump Organization, shared by Eric Trump on X, acknowledged the incident:

“The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism.”

Videos circulating online show the vehicle engulfed in flames as sirens blare inside the hotel lobby. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, with hotel staff advising guests to evacuate immediately.

Cybertruck Rental and Security Concerns

The Cybertruck involved in the explosion was rented through Turo, the same platform used to rent the truck involved in the New Orleans attack. Turo has not yet commented on the incidents.

The FBI’s Las Vegas office confirmed their involvement, stating, “We have personnel on scene to assist our local partners, who handled the initial response.”

Witness Accounts

Mary Lescano Paguada, a hotel guest visiting from San Antonio, recounted the confusion and urgency following the explosion. “We heard a loud boom early in the morning. At first, we weren’t alarmed, but when law enforcement arrived, everything changed. Staff told us to leave immediately and avoid breathing the smoke.”

Videos shared on social media showed plumes of smoke rising above the hotel, with emergency responders working to control the fire. Nearby hotels captured additional footage of the chaotic aftermath.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile locations and events. As authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about the use of rented vehicles in attacks and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Moving Forward

Both the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents have raised alarm about public safety during large gatherings. Law enforcement officials are collaborating across jurisdictions to determine whether these events are connected and to ensure the safety of communities nationwide.