Las Vegas, Nevada – A dramatic explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas early Friday morning claimed the life of the driver and injured seven others. The incident occurred at 8:40 AM PT (15:40 GMT) when a Tesla Cybertruck, packed with fuel canisters and firework mortars, detonated near the hotel’s glass entrance.
The blast, which sent shockwaves through the city, prompted an extensive investigation involving local authorities and federal agencies, including the FBI.
Explosion Captured on Video
During a press conference, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill presented video footage of the explosion. The footage showed the Cybertruck parked near the hotel’s entrance for several seconds before erupting into a vivid display of fireworks, scattering debris across the area.
Emergency responders swiftly extinguished the flames and evacuated the Trump Hotel as a precaution. Guests were relocated to nearby accommodations, and no serious injuries were reported among the evacuees.
Connection to New Orleans Incident Probed
The explosion comes on the heels of a deadly truck attack in New Orleans earlier in the day, which left 15 people dead and several injured. Authorities are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
“A Cybertruck parked outside the Trump Hotel raises many questions,” Sheriff McMahill stated. “We’re exploring all possibilities, including links to New Orleans and whether this incident is related to President-elect Donald Trump or Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla.”
Federal Investigation Underway
The FBI is treating the case with high priority, considering the possibility of terrorism. FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz explained, “We are examining whether this qualifies as an act of terrorism. While no connections to organizations like ISIS have been established, all angles are being pursued.”
Authorities have identified that the Cybertruck, like the vehicle in the New Orleans incident, was rented via Turo, a car-sharing service. Turo confirmed its cooperation with investigators and clarified that background checks on the renters did not reveal any criminal history.
Reactions from Officials and Witnesses
President Joe Biden addressed the nation shortly after the explosion, affirming that federal intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation.
Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, expressed gratitude to first responders in a social media post, emphasizing their efforts in ensuring the safety of hotel guests and staff.
Stephen Ferlando, a hotel guest staying on the 53rd floor, recounted his experience: “There was definitely an explosion. The windows shook violently. It felt like an earthquake.”
Heightened Security Measures
The Trump Hotel, a 64-story luxury property partially owned by President-elect Trump, remains under heavy security. The incident has heightened concerns about public safety as authorities work to identify the driver and uncover a motive.
This marks the second major security incident linked to Turo-rented vehicles in less than 24 hours, raising questions about the platform’s vetting processes.
Ongoing Investigation
While no immediate threat to the Las Vegas community has been identified, law enforcement remains on high alert. The investigation continues to focus on potential motives, links to the New Orleans attack, and whether the incident bears any significance to President-elect Donald Trump’s or Elon Musk’s recent political and business activities.
Further updates are expected as authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
