A deadly explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck occurred early Wednesday outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven. The incident is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.
The explosion took place at around 9 a.m. when the truck, which had been rented through the Turo car-sharing service, exploded outside the hotel’s front entrance. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the blast was caused by “a bomb or very large fireworks” placed in the vehicle, adding that the explosion was unrelated to any mechanical failure of the Cybertruck itself. The vehicle had been packed with gasoline canisters, fireworks, and camping fuel, likely set off by a system controlled by the driver.
You don’t hate the legacy media enough https://t.co/wVq5JbmY5g
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025
Musk also pointed out similarities between the Las Vegas incident and a deadly attack in New Orleans earlier that morning, where a man deliberately drove a truck into a crowd, killing 15. Both vehicles were rented from Turo and involved explosive devices, but the FBI has emphasized that no direct link between the two incidents has been confirmed.
Appears likely to be an act of terrorism.
Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way. https://t.co/MM6ehJO3SG
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025
Authorities are working to determine if the driver of the Cybertruck, who died in the explosion, intentionally set off the explosives. Surveillance footage showed the truck passing the hotel an hour before the explosion, suggesting a deliberate approach to the scene.
Las Vegas police, along with federal agencies, are continuing to investigate the incident, with the explosion sending a large cloud of smoke into the air, alarming hotel guests and nearby tourists. Fire alarms were triggered in the hotel, but it is unclear whether there were any evacuations.
UPDATE ON CYBER TRUCK EXPLOSION
Sheriff Kevin McMahill provided an initial briefing regarding the explosion of a Cyber Truck in front of Trump Tower in Las Vegas this morning.
Key details:
– At approximately 8:40 a.m., reports were received of a vehicle explosion.
– One person… https://t.co/woCvwR1Qvq pic.twitter.com/BLf5jQsRzm— LVMPD (@LVMPD) January 1, 2025
Musk and Tesla’s senior team are also conducting an internal investigation into the incident.
