At least seven people were injured, the authorities said. Elon Musk said that the vehicle was functioning properly.
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and at least seven others injured. The explosion occurred at around 8:40 a.m. local time, just as the vehicle was approaching the hotel’s entrance doors.
Authorities Respond Quickly
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the explosion. Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that the incident involved a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, and tragically, the individual inside the vehicle was confirmed dead. Seven others sustained minor injuries.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the situation on X, confirming that the explosion was caused by fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck, and reiterated that the vehicle’s systems were functioning normally at the time.
Investigators Examine Potential Terrorist Link
While the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, authorities are treating the incident with caution, particularly after a similar event in New Orleans earlier that morning. A truck had plowed into a crowd, killing at least ten people. Sheriff McMahill emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant:
“We’re very well aware of what has happened in New Orleans with the event that occurred there,” he said. “As you can imagine, with an explosion here on iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep our community safe.”
There has been no indication of an ongoing threat, but authorities continue to investigate, noting that the location of the explosion—outside the Trump Hotel—raises additional questions.
Eyewitness Accounts and Evacuations
Videos from witnesses at the scene showed the Tesla engulfed in flames outside the hotel’s lobby. Many guests inside the hotel were evacuated promptly, as confirmed by Eric Trump, the executive vice president of the Trump Organization:
“The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority,” he wrote on X.
Guests reported confusion and concern, with some describing the eerie moments leading up to the blast. Oscar Terol, a visitor from Barcelona, described his narrow escape:
“Those 10 seconds were the difference,” he said, recounting how he and his wife were startled by the explosion just moments after stopping at a food cart.
Other hotel guests, like Todd Hansen and Shir Poli, reported seeing smoke, hearing loud popping sounds, and being caught in the evacuation process. Kerri Ford, who was about to get married that day, was also forced to leave, leaving her wedding dress and marriage license behind.
Musk and Trump’s Ties Amidst the Tragedy
This incident has drawn added attention due to the close relationship between Tesla’s Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump. Musk has been a key figure in Trump’s campaign, and the two have maintained a public friendship, with Musk even helping lead a new government efficiency department.
The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, located on Fashion Show Drive, boasts nearly 1,300 suites across 64 floors.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to avoid the area, and local officials remain focused on determining the cause of the explosion.