An investigation is underway after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, resulting in one death and seven injuries. The incident occurred in the valet area of the hotel around 8:40 a.m. local time, as confirmed by the Clark County Fire Department.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated the deceased individual, believed to be the vehicle’s driver, has not yet been publicly identified.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke before a large explosion erupted from the electric SUV. Social media videos showed the Cybertruck engulfed in flames at the main entrance of the hotel.
Although the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, authorities are investigating the explosion as a potential terrorist attack, noting similarities to an earlier incident in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people. “We are taking every precaution to ensure community safety,” a Las Vegas police spokesperson said.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded on X, saying, “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter. We’ve never seen anything like this.” Eric Trump, speaking on behalf of the hotel, expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action.
The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now.
Will post more information as soon as we learn anything.
We’ve never seen anything like this. https://t.co/MpmICGvLXf
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
