LOS ANGELES: A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person and injuring seven others, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on January 1, 2025, as the vehicle pulled up to the hotel’s glass entrance before a sudden “large explosion” erupted. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed the presence of the deceased individual inside the truck and stated that the injuries sustained by others were minor. Video footage captured the vehicle bursting into flames, with subsequent smaller explosions resembling fireworks.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to the incident, stating that the company’s senior team is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Musk, who recently supported Donald Trump in the November election, expressed shock, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this.” As the investigation progresses, Musk promised to share updates as new information becomes available. The event marks an unprecedented occurrence for Tesla’s electric vehicles, raising questions about the potential cause of the explosion.
First responders, including Hazmat teams, were deployed to the scene outside the Fashion Show mall near the Trump International Hotel. The area was cordoned off as authorities worked to determine the cause of the explosion. The blast prompted immediate concerns about public safety, though Sheriff McMahill stated that no direct links to other recent incidents, including a car-ramming attack in New Orleans, had been established. Nevertheless, law enforcement is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the Las Vegas community.
The explosion also caught the attention of federal authorities, with President Joe Biden being briefed on the situation. The White House has offered federal assistance to aid the ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance and safety measures in urban areas, particularly following high-profile and potentially interconnected events. Local and federal agencies are working collaboratively to uncover the root cause of the explosion and prevent similar incidents in the future.
