A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in one confirmed death. The individual was inside the vehicle at the time of the blast, but their identity, including gender, has not been disclosed, according to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
Seven bystanders were injured in the explosion.
Sheriff McMahill assured the public that authorities are thoroughly investigating and “looking for secondary devices” but stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Videos shared on social media show the vehicle engulfed in flames, with multiple small explosions and the sound of fireworks. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are considering the possibility of terrorism.
In a later press briefing, Sheriff McMahill revealed evidence found in the vehicle, including gasoline canisters, camping fuel, and large fireworks. Despite the explosion, the exterior of the Cybertruck remained intact, with most of the blast directed upward, limiting damage to the surrounding area.
McMahill clarified that he could not confirm the identity of the deceased person due to the uncertainty of the details.
The truck had been rented from Colorado through the Turo car rental app and arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. before pulling into the Trump hotel. Authorities are now examining any possible link to a separate attack in New Orleans, where a pickup truck rented from Turo killed 15 people earlier that day.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggested a connection between the two incidents, stating on social media, “Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way.”
President Joe Biden also addressed the situation, confirming that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are investigating any potential ties between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack, urging caution before drawing conclusions. He assured that resources are being allocated to resolve the investigation swiftly.
