WionDrive News Desk 
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, killing the driver and injuring seven others. Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating whether the incident was an act of terrorism. The explosion occurred hours after a separate truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 people celebrating New Year’s Day. Videos from witnesses captured flames engulfing the Cybertruck as it sat outside the Trump hotel.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the FBI are working to determine the cause of the explosion. “Obviously, a Cybertruck and the Trump hotel — there’s a lot of questions to be answered,” LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during a press conference. FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz said it was too early to confirm whether the incident was terrorism-related.
The Cybertruck, a 2024 model-year vehicle, had been rented in Colorado and carried a potential explosive device, authorities said. Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified the incident was not related to the vehicle’s mechanics.
“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,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter). Tesla stated all telemetry data from the vehicle at the time of the blast was normal.
The Cybertruck’s driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Seven others sustained minor injuries, with two transported to the hospital. The incident led to the evacuation of the Trump hotel, with most visitors relocated to nearby accommodations.
The Cybertruck and the truck involved in the New Orleans attack were both rented through the car-sharing platform Turo. A Turo spokesperson confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement and stated the renters had no known criminal background.
The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is operated by the Trump Organisation, helmed by Eric Trump, who addressed the incident on X: “Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte-cochère of Trump Las Vegas.”
Authorities remain on high alert as investigations into the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents continue.
