Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Las Vegas hotel: 1 dead, several injured
LAS VEGAS - Authorities in Las Vegas said one person was found dead and several others were found injured after a Tesla Cybertruck caught fire outside the Trump Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday.
What happened?
Authorities have not revealed a cause.
However, Elon Musk tweeted that he has 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 also claimed that the incident appeared to be "likely to be an act of terrorism," adding "Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way."
A Tesla Cybertruck is shown after it caught fire and exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel, on Jan. 1, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Photo by WADE VANDERVORT/AFP via Getty Images)
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Authorities have not confirmed Musk's claims or that the two incidents are connected.
Law enforcement did say the incident was isolated but are investigating a possible connection to the attack in New Orleans. However, officials said there is no evidence of that at this time.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the fire is out.
Authorities said the deceased person was found inside the truck. Several others outside the truck were hurt and some were transported to a local hospital.
Details about the truck involved in the incident
According to a law enforcement official, the truck was rented via the Turo app and had a tumble of charred fireworks mortars, cannisters and other explosive devices crowded into the back of the pickup.
A Turo spokesperson did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Police enforce road closures at Desert Inn Road and Sammy Davis Jr. Drive after a vehicle fire and explosion Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in front of the entrance to Trump Inrternational Hotel in Las Vegas. (Noble Brigham/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune
Motive remains unclear
Law enforcement officials have not ruled out terrorism as a possible motive, a person familiar with the matter said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation.
"I know you have a lot of questions," Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas office, told reporters. "We don’t have a lot of answers."
Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said authorities know who rented the truck, but are not releasing the name until investigators determine if it is the same person who died.
McMahill said video captured at Telsa charging stations provided by CEO Elon Musk helped authorities track the vehicle’s journey, arriving in Las Vegas about 7:30 a.m., then driving about an hour later into the valet area of the Trump International Hotel, where it sat 15 to 20 seconds before the explosion occurred.
Eric Trump responds
Eric Trump, the son of President-elect Donald Trump, also posted a statement on social media.
"Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas," he posted. "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."
According to FOX 5 Vegas, smoke could be seen coming from the tower in viewer video obtained by that outlet. Multiple police vehicles and ambulances were also reported in the area.
Donald Trump has not commented on their fire.
Elon Musk responds
Musk said on X that the "whole Tesla senior team" was investigating the deadly explosion.
"We've never seen anything like this," Musk wrote.