LAS VEGAS — A tragic explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck carrying fireworks rocked the valet area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning. The incident left one person dead and seven others with minor injuries, some of whom were taken to local hospitals.
The explosion, reported at 8:40 a.m., ignited a fire that engulfed the futuristic pickup truck, rented via the Turo app. Officials later confirmed that fireworks—and potentially a bomb—were in the truck’s bed.
Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Investigation
Witness Ana Bruce, visiting from Brazil, described the chaotic scene. “There were three explosions,” she said. “The first had fire, the second seemed to be the battery, and the third was the biggest—it filled the area with smoke, and that’s when everyone was told to evacuate.”
Alcides Antunes, her travel companion, captured video footage showing flames consuming the Cybertruck.
Authorities have not ruled out terrorism as a motive, with Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge for the FBI’s Las Vegas office, stating, “We don’t have a lot of answers yet.”
Tesla and Elon Musk Respond
Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X, confirming that the explosion stemmed from fireworks and was unrelated to the Cybertruck’s design or functionality. “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion,” Musk said, adding that Tesla’s senior team was actively investigating.
This marks the first high-profile incident involving the Cybertruck, a long-awaited vehicle that only recently began deliveries.
Broader Context
The Las Vegas explosion occurred just hours after another deadly incident—a truck rammed into a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing at least 15 people in what is being investigated as a terrorist attack. The driver in that case was fatally shot by police.
Authorities are considering whether there is any connection between the two events.
Swift Response
The Clark County Fire Department and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police quickly secured the scene, evacuating the 64-story Trump International Hotel and nearby areas. Eric Trump, a son of President-elect Donald Trump, praised first responders on X for their swift professionalism.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
This tragic event has raised new questions about the potential risks associated with large public gatherings and the need for heightened vigilance around explosive materials.
