Las Vegas witnessed a shocking incident on [insert date] as a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. The explosion occurred near the hotel’s glass entrance, prompting an immediate evacuation, authorities said.
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill, speaking to news agency AFP, stated that the electric vehicle pulled up to the hotel entrance before a “large explosion” rocked the area. “At this time, we have no indication that the blast is linked to the Islamic State group,” McMahill said, while noting the “complex factors” surrounding the incident.
“It’s a Tesla truck, and we know Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump, and it’s the Trump Tower. So there are obviously concerns that we continue to investigate,” the sheriff added.
Initial investigations revealed that the explosion was likely caused by fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel connected to a detonation system. Authorities suspect the system was controlled by the driver of the rented Tesla Cybertruck.
Videos shared on social media captured the moment the Cybertruck, parked near the hotel entrance, erupted in flames. Smaller subsequent explosions, resembling fireworks, were observed. Surveillance footage showed the truck circling the area about an hour before stopping at the entrance and exploding seconds later.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that the explosion was “caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck,” and emphasized it was “unrelated to the vehicle itself.” Musk added, “We’ve never seen anything like this,” and mentioned that Tesla’s senior team was actively investigating the matter.
The FBI described the explosion as an “isolated incident.” Agent Jeremy Schwartz stated, “We do not believe there’s a network of individuals supporting or coordinating this act.”
The incident drew comparisons to an earlier attack in New Orleans, where a truck rammed into a crowd, killing 15 and injuring dozens. U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that authorities were investigating any potential link between the two events but noted, “Thus far, there’s nothing to report on that score.”
