Authorities believe the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Wednesday morning was caused by fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel connected to a detonation system controlled by the vehicle's driver, according to a law enforcement official involved in the investigation.
The FBI is investigating the incident to determine whether it was a terrorist act. Jeremy Schwartz, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas office, stated that the agency believes it was an isolated incident and that there is no further danger to the public.
The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. when first responders were alerted to a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, crews found a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames, according to Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
One individual was found deceased inside the vehicle, with the body remaining in the truck as the investigation continues. Seven other people sustained injuries from the explosion and are currently in stable condition, Deputy Fire Chief Billy Samuels reported.
The Cybertruck, rented in Colorado through Turo, arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. Surveillance footage revealed that the truck drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before stopping outside the Trump Hotel, where it exploded shortly afterward.
Police released images during a press conference showing charred gasoline canisters and firework mortars in the truck bed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed the identity of the individual who rented the vehicle or the deceased person inside.
Sheriff McMahill emphasized that the Cybertruck’s design helped mitigate the blast's impact, directing most of the force upward and sparing the hotel’s glass facade. He expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for Tesla’s assistance, including providing surveillance footage from charging stations to help track the driver’s movements.
Elon Musk confirmed in a statement that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb in the Cybertruck’s bed and was unrelated to the vehicle itself. He remarked that the truck’s design contained the explosion, preventing further damage to the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, Turo, the vehicle rental company, expressed its condolences to the victims and confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement. The company stated that neither the Las Vegas nor a separate New Orleans attacker using their rentals had prior criminal records that would have raised red flags.
Authorities are also investigating potential connections to the New Orleans attack, where a rented vehicle was used in a deadly crowd assault. However, no links have been established between the two incidents.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo assured the public that state resources are available to aid the investigation. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, thanked first responders for their swift action and emphasized the priority of guest safety.
Guests in nearby hotels reported seeing smoke and emergency vehicles responding to the scene. One witness described observing ambulances and displaced Trump Hotel guests gathered in a parking lot.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement prioritizing public safety and addressing unanswered questions surrounding the incident.