A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, January 1, leaving one person dead and seven others injured, according to local authorities.
The Clark County Fire Department responded to the scene around 8:40 a.m. after reports of a vehicle fire in the hotel’s valet area... Continue reading here ▶
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed in a press conference that one person, believed to be the driver, was found dead inside the Cybertruck. The individual’s identity has not yet been made public.
Seven others sustained minor injuries, with two of them taken to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada for treatment.
The area surrounding the hotel, located on the Las Vegas Strip, has been evacuated as authorities investigate the explosion. Videos circulating on social media show the Cybertruck engulfed in flames near the hotel’s main entrance. Witnesses described seeing the truck arrive quietly before a sudden and massive explosion.
“The Cybertruck pulled up right to the glass entrance doors of the hotel,” a police spokesperson said. “Smoke began coming from the vehicle, and moments later, a large explosion occurred.”
The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but authorities are treating it as a potential terrorist attack until more information is available.
They noted similarities to a deadly attack earlier that morning in New Orleans, where 15 people were killed in what the FBI now classifies as an act of terrorism. Officials are taking precautions, including searching for secondary devices in the area.
“As you can imagine, an explosion on Las Vegas Boulevard is being treated with the utmost seriousness,” said a police spokesperson. “We’re moving carefully to ensure the safety of our community.”
Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, issued a statement on social media, expressing gratitude to emergency responders and assuring the public that guest and staff safety is the hotel’s top priority.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also addressed the incident, tweeting that the company’s senior team is investigating. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” Musk wrote, promising updates as more details emerge.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the area remains closed off. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
