Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Near Las Vegas Trump Hotel Involved Fireworks,
Authorities believe the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Las Vegas Trump Hotel on Wednesday morning was caused by fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel linked to a detonation system controlled by the driver, according to a law enforcement official.
The FBI is investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism. However, Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Las Vegas office, said it appears to be an isolated event, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. Crews arrived to find the 2024 Cybertruck fully engulfed in flames, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference.
One person was found dead inside the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, with the body still inside as authorities continue their investigation, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
Seven people were injured in the explosion but are in stable condition, Deputy Fire Chief Billy Samuels reported.
Authorities said the Cybertruck was rented in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m. After driving along Las Vegas Boulevard for about an hour, the vehicle stopped in front of the Trump Hotel and exploded shortly after. Surveillance footage shows the truck circling the area before the explosion.
Social media videos captured the aftermath, showing the vehicle engulfed in smoke as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. During a press conference, police shared footage of charred gasoline canisters and firework mortars found in the truck bed.
While authorities have identified the person who rented the vehicle, they have not yet released the name as they work to confirm the identity of the deceased. Sheriff McMahill credited the Cybertruck’s design for containing much of the blast upward, minimizing damage to the hotel, including leaving the glass front doors intact.
McMahill also thanked Elon Musk, who provided investigators with Tesla charging station footage to aid in tracking the truck’s movements. Musk later posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Tesla confirmed the explosion was caused by large fireworks or a bomb in the truck bed and was unrelated to the vehicle itself.
The Cybertruck was rented through Turo, the same company used for a vehicle involved in a separate incident in New Orleans. Turo stated it is cooperating with law enforcement and does not believe either renter had a criminal background that would have flagged them as a threat.
Authorities have not found a connection between the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo assured residents that his office is providing resources for the investigation.
“The perpetrators picked the wrong vehicle,” Elon Musk said on X, highlighting that the Cybertruck’s design helped direct the explosion upward and contain the blast. “Not even the lobby’s glass doors were broken.”
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, also addressed the incident on X, emphasizing that the “safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority.” He thanked the Las Vegas Fire Department and law enforcement for their swift and professional response.
Galit Ventura Rozen, a guest at the nearby Resorts World Las Vegas, witnessed the aftermath from the 62nd floor. She described seeing a massive cloud of smoke rising near the Trump Hotel and recorded ambulances and police arriving at the scene.
“We didn’t know what was going on,” Rozen said. “Later, I saw what looked like hotel guests gathered in a nearby parking lot.”
Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are aware of a recent attack in New Orleans, which killed at least 10 people and injured dozens. To ensure public safety, McMahill’s team is checking for any secondary devices.
“There doesn’t appear to be any further threat to the community,” McMahill assured. “However, with a Cybertruck and the Trump Hotel involved, there are many questions we need to address as we move forward.”
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