A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, including whether it was an act of terrorism.
The explosion occurred early Wednesday morning, hours after a separate truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 people. Witnesses captured videos of the Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the hotel, which is part of the Trump Organization, owned by President-elect Donald Trump.
🚨 #BREAKING: The Cybertruck explosion outside of Trump Tower in Las Vegas is now being investigated as a possible ACT OF TERR0R, per ABC News.
The driver is deceased, and 7 bystanders have been injured. pic.twitter.com/ngl2JyAHzE
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 1, 2025
Local law enforcement and the FBI are leading the investigation, with officials emphasizing the need to explore all possible motives. While the identity of the Cybertruck driver has not been disclosed, the vehicle was reportedly rented in Colorado through the car-sharing service Turo, as was the truck involved in the New Orleans attack.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified that the explosion was not caused by the vehicle itself but by fireworks or a bomb placed in the Cybertruck’s bed. Telemetry data from the vehicle showed no mechanical issues at the time.
The Trump Hotel was evacuated following the incident, and two of the injured were hospitalized with minor injuries. Investigators are also assessing potential links between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack.
