On January 1, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, leaving one person dead and seven others injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, which occurred just after 8:40 a.m. PT. The explosion has raised concerns over potential terrorism, as the vehicle contained explosive materials, including fireworks and gasoline canisters.
Details of the Incident
The Tesla Cybertruck involved in the explosion was rented in Colorado. It arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. and drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before parking in front of the Trump Tower. The vehicle remained stationary for about 15 seconds before the explosion took place.
“We’re tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas,” President Joe Biden stated. He confirmed that federal authorities were investigating whether the attack in New Orleans and the explosion in Las Vegas were connected.
The explosion caused flames to pour from the Cybertruck, damaging the immediate area. Emergency responders quickly evacuated the Trump Tower as a precaution. “We were worried,” said Colette Robertson, a hotel guest who witnessed the explosion from her room.
Explosive Materials Found in the Tesla Cybertruck
Upon investigating the vehicle, authorities discovered gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the back of the Tesla Cybertruck. The explosion was caused by the ignition of these materials. Tesla CEO Elon Musk speculated that the explosion was an act of terrorism, pointing out the similarities to the attack in New Orleans that took place earlier on New Year’s Day.
“The whole Tesla senior team is investigating what happened. We’ve never seen anything like this,” Musk said in a statement on X.
Investigators are working hard to identify the individual in the Cybertruck and determine the motive behind the attack. Authorities are also probing the possible connection between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people.
Investigation by Authorities
The FBI’s joint terrorism task force is investigating the explosion at Trump Tower. Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas office, stated, “Our number one goal is to ensure that we have the proper identification of the subject involved in this incident.” Schwartz confirmed that authorities had identified the driver but had not released their name.
Schwartz added, “Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this was an act of terrorism or not.” Local law enforcement is treating the explosion as a serious security concern. They are taking all necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
Turo’s Role in the Investigation
The Tesla Cybertruck and the truck involved in the deadly New Orleans attack were both rented through the Turo app. Turo confirmed that the two vehicles were rented via their platform. “We do not believe that either renter had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat,” Turo stated in a blog post.
Turo further clarified that they were not aware of any information suggesting that the two incidents were related. The company is cooperating with law enforcement and sharing information that may help in the ongoing investigations.
The Aftermath of the Explosion
The explosion left the area outside Trump Tower heavily damaged. First responders were quick to contain the fire, limiting the damage to the valet parking area. Fortunately, the blast did not spread further due to the design of the Cybertruck. The truck’s frame directed the blast upward, preventing more widespread destruction.
The explosion came just hours after the deadly truck attack in New Orleans, which is also under investigation as a potential act of terrorism. The FBI is looking into possible links between the two incidents.
Witness Accounts of the Explosion
Witnesses described hearing multiple explosions. Ana Bruce, a tourist from Brazil, recalled hearing three explosions. “The first one where we saw the fire, the second one, I guess, was the battery or something like that, and the third was the big one that smoked the entire area and was the moment when everyone was told to evacuate and stay away,” she said.
Eric Trump, the son of President-elect Donald Trump, also commented on the incident. He praised the quick response from the fire department and law enforcement. “We thank the fire department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism,” Eric Trump posted on X.
The Tesla Cybertruck’s Role
The explosion has drawn attention to the Tesla Cybertruck’s role in the incident. The futuristic design of the Cybertruck, with its bulletproof stainless-steel frame and armored glass, has raised questions about its safety and vulnerability to explosive materials. Elon Musk, however, stressed that the explosion was not related to the vehicle itself. “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 said.
Despite the vehicle’s reputation for durability, the materials found in the back of the truck caused a deadly explosion. The authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, considering all possible motives, including terrorism.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
As the investigation continues, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and FBI are focused on ensuring that there are no secondary devices in the area. “We’re looking for secondary devices,” Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated at the press conference. The explosion has raised concerns about public safety, especially given the proximity of the Trump Tower to Las Vegas’ busy tourist areas.
Authorities are also investigating the connection between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans truck attack, which involved a similar rented vehicle. President Joe Biden has directed federal authorities to explore any possible links between the two incidents.
Conclusion
The Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Tower in Las Vegas has left one person dead and seven others injured. The incident is being treated as a potential act of terrorism, and authorities are investigating every angle. The involvement of Turo in both the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks has added another layer to the investigation. The explosion serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by authorities and the need for vigilance in public spaces.
