At least seven people were injured, the authorities said. Elon Musk said that the vehicle was functioning properly.
Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel Sparks FBI Investigation
A tragic incident unfolded on January 1 when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, leaving one person dead and injuring at least seven others. The FBI has joined the investigation to uncover the cause of the explosion, which occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Explosion Captured on Video
Witnesses captured dramatic footage of the Cybertruck engulfed in flames near the hotel entrance, sending plumes of smoke into the air. The explosion occurred just hours after a separate incident in New Orleans, where a truck drove into crowds of New Year’s Day revelers, killing at least ten people.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill addressed the media, emphasizing the need to answer critical questions about the explosion:
“Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel — there’s lots of questions that we have to answer.”
Elon Musk Responds
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is also an adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, clarified on X that the explosion was unrelated to the Cybertruck’s design or functionality:
“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.”
Telemetry refers to the automated collection of data from remote sources, enabling analysis of vehicle performance. Musk’s statement suggests the vehicle’s systems were functioning normally before the explosion.
FBI and Local Authorities on High Alert
Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz, the FBI’s lead investigator on the case, confirmed the agency’s involvement, stating:
“We’ve got a lot of questions. We’re deploying resources and will continue until we figure out exactly what happened and why.”
Sheriff McMahill noted that the Cybertruck had pulled up to the Trump Hotel around 8:40 a.m. local time. Given the earlier attack in New Orleans involving an explosive device, authorities are exercising caution and searching for potential secondary threats.
“With an explosion here on iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all the precautions to keep our community safe,” McMahill said.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Las Vegas firefighters responded within four minutes of the incident, extinguishing the flames. Two injured individuals were transported to hospitals with minor injuries, while the Trump Hotel was evacuated, and guests were relocated to a nearby property.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, addressed the incident in a post on X:
“Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority.”
Broader Context
The Trump International Hotel, part of the Trump Organization, sits prominently on the Las Vegas Strip. The incident has drawn significant attention due to its location and timing, particularly as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20.
Elon Musk, a key supporter of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, has also faced scrutiny over Tesla’s vehicle safety record, though initial findings suggest this explosion was not caused by any vehicle defect.
This is a developing story. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.