Cybertuck exploded near Trump Las Vegas hotel: Casualties reported
Elon Musk stated that the car's telemetry was positive (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
On Wednesday morning, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded near the entrance to the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, US. As a result of the explosion, there is one confirmed fatality and several injuries. The police are considering the incident as a potential terrorist attack, according to ABC News and NBC News.
The Clark County Fire Department confirmed that it responded to a vehicle fire in the parking area of the Trump International Hotel (Trump Las Vegas) around 8:40 a.m. local time.
During a press conference, Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Touchstone stated that when the rescuers began extinguishing the fire, they realized that several people with injuries were around the vehicle at that time.
As a result of the incident, the driver of the Cybertruck was killed, and seven people were injured. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the scene for the time being.
Police suggest that a terrorist attack might have occurred
ABC reports that investigators are unsure about the cause of the explosion, specifically whether there was an issue with the vehicle itself or if an external factor triggered the blast. Determining the cause is a key focus of the investigation.
A source familiar with the investigation told the outlet that the Tesla Cybertruck was carrying a cargo of mortar shells resembling fireworks. Investigators are working to establish the motive and determine whether the driver intended to detonate the explosion, and if so, why.
As the motive has not yet been determined and other causes are not ruled out, the police are considering the explosion as a potential criminal act and a possible act of terrorism. Evidence collection and the investigation are ongoing.
Reaction of Elon Musk and Donald Trump's son
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded to the incident, as his company manufactures the Cybertruck vehicle involved.
"The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything. We’ve never seen anything like this," he wrote.
Just half an hour ago, he reported that the cause of the explosion had already been determined.
"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. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion," he concluded.
Eric Trump, the son of Donald Trump and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, also posted a message about the incident on social media.
"Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism," wrote Donald Trump's son.
In October 2024, Elon Musk unveiled new vehicles - an autonomous taxi and a driverless van. Tesla is confident that these vehicles will be 10 to 20 times safer than conventional cars.
