2-1-2025 (LAS VEGAS) A devastating explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday morning has left one person dead and seven others injured, with investigators uncovering evidence of what appears to be a sophisticated detonation system.
Law enforcement sources reveal that the 2024 Cybertruck, which was rented in Colorado, contained a concerning combination of fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel, all reportedly connected to a driver-controlled detonation mechanism.
Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas field office, stated that whilst they are investigating potential terrorist links, early indications suggest this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to public safety.
The incident unfolded shortly after 8:40 a.m. when emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle fire at the prestigious hotel. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill detailed how surveillance footage captured the vehicle circling the area for approximately an hour before the explosion occurred.
“The driver made several passes along Las Vegas Boulevard before positioning the vehicle at the hotel entrance,” McMahill explained during an evening press briefing. “The explosion occurred mere seconds after the vehicle came to a halt.”
In an unexpected development, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has actively assisted the investigation by providing crucial CCTV footage from Tesla charging stations. McMahill praised the Cybertruck’s robust construction, noting that its design actually helped contain the blast. “The vehicle’s structure channelled most of the explosive force upward, preventing more extensive damage to the hotel’s structure,” he said.
The seven injured victims are currently in stable condition, according to Deputy Fire Chief Billy Samuels. The identity of the deceased driver remains undisclosed pending formal identification procedures.
The vehicle was rented through car-sharing platform Turo, which has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. This detail has drawn attention due to a recent tragic incident in New Orleans involving another Turo-rented vehicle, though authorities stress there is currently no evidence linking the two events.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has confirmed his office is working closely with investigating authorities, whilst Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, expressed gratitude to emergency services for their swift response.
Tesla Cybertruck explosion at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas doesn’t look normal,
looks like some IED explosion in trunk,
normaly Li-on batteries doesn’t explode so suddenly, it would have caught fire firstCould this be a another terrorist attack ?pic.twitter.com/LKu2MTn7fY
— Metal08 (@metal00008) January 1, 2025
