Tesla CEO Elon Musk has provided initial insights into the Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, which left one person dead and seven injured. Early findings suggest the incident was not caused by the vehicle itself but appears to be an intentional act.
In the aftermath of the explosion, Musk announced on social media platform X that Tesla’s senior team was actively investigating the incident. Initial telemetry data confirmed that the Cybertruck’s systems were functioning normally at the time. Further analysis revealed that the explosion was caused by large fireworks or a bomb stored in the vehicle’s bed, ruling out any fault with the vehicle or its components.
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.
All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
The ill-fated Cybertruck was a rental vehicle, booked through the car-sharing platform Turo. Musk emphasized that Tesla vehicles continuously transmit their state of health, and no abnormalities were detected in this case.
Musk noted that law enforcement believes the explosion may have been an intentional act. Authorities are investigating possible connections between this incident and a truck attack in New Orleans earlier the same day, where a rented vehicle was used in a suicide bombing that killed 15 people. Both vehicles in these incidents were rented via Turo, prompting additional scrutiny of potential links.
Appears likely to be an act of terrorism.
Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way. https://t.co/MM6ehJO3SG
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
Three senior U.S. law enforcement officials have reportedly confirmed that the Cybertruck explosion is being treated as a potential act of terrorism. Investigations are ongoing to determine motives and any connections between the two attacks.
Tesla continues to cooperate with law enforcement as they seek answers in the case, while Musk expressed confidence in the resilience of Tesla’s systems and commitment to safety.
