A Tesla Cybertruck pulled up to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and exploded on New Year's Day, killing one person inside the vehicle, and authorities now say they're investigating the blast as a possible act of terror.
Video of the Cybertruck exploding into flames in the valet area quickly spread on the internet. The footage was captured both from guests checking into the lobby and at least one person who saw smoke from the window of a nearby hotel.
The driver of the vehicle died in the blast, which happened around 8:40 a.m., CNN reported. Seven bystanders suffered minor injuries, authorities said. The cause of the blast wasn't immediately known.
An official briefed on the probe told ABC News that fireworks-style mortars were in the truck. Police were reportedly treating the blast as a possible crime and act of terror.
"We believe everything is safe now," Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters.
The incident immediately prompted a reaction from commenters online — many of whom noted the intense symbolism given that President-elect Donald Trump, whose company owns the Vegas hotel, relied heavily on Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, both for campaign backing and now for advice as part of a high-profile task force to cut government spending.
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Eric Trump confirmed the incident on X.
"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," he said.
The hotel issued essentially the same statement.
"Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas," the hotel wrote. "The safety & well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response."
Others highlighted the unusual circumstances given the ties to Musk and Trump.
"If you were going to choose a metaphor for our current state of politics, a Tesla Cybertruck exploding and burning in front of a Trump Tower in a city where millions of Americans go each year to lose their money, is pretty spot on," wrote New York Health Campaign executive director Melanie D'Arrigo.
"A Tesla Cybertruck on fire outside of Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas? This has to be staged," wrote Huffington Post commentator Yashar Ali.
"A Tesla Cybertruck is on fire and exploding outside of a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas," wrote left-leaning political YouTuber Jack Cocchiarella. "If you’re looking for a more perfect metaphor for the state of America right now you won’t find it."
"If a Tesla Cybertruck exploding at the entrance of trump International Hotel in Las Vegas this morning isn’t some sort of sign or foreshadowing of what we can expect in the near future, I don’t know what is," said singer-songwriter Ricky Davila.
"A Cybertruck exploding outside of Trump Tower is a bit too on the nose for my taste," said conservative talk radio host Joe Cunningham.
