The blast, which killed the driver of the vehicle, is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism
A Tesla exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, forcing an evacuation of the luxury high-rise. The blast killed the driver of the electric vehicle, while at least seven bystanders sustained minor injuries, authorities have said.
Guests reported hearing a “massive explosion” – possibly several – which triggered fire alarms throughout the 64-story tower on Fashion Show Drive. Local media first reported a vehicle fire early in the morning near the Fashion Show Mall and the Trump property. Emergency responders quickly sealed off the area.
A video has surfaced on social media showing the burning vehicle. A minute-long clip apparently taken from inside the hotel lobby shows what appears to be a Tesla Cybertruck parked just outside the hotel entrance. The vehicle is almost fully engulfed in flames, with plumes of thick gray smoke rising above it.
Cybertruck blew up in front of Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Those are our luggage by the door and that’s where we were when it happened. pic.twitter.com/KaVZXfGLNK
— ayackle (@kaaaassuu) January 1, 2025
A CCTV camera outside of the hotel captured the moment the truck went off, another video circulating online shows. The explosion ripped off the lid of the vehicle’s cargo compartment and set the car on fire. Multiple smaller, firework-like explosions followed the initial blast, footage shows.
This is reported as being the camera at far side of the portico in front of Trump Hotel Vegas. pic.twitter.com/NoUvygFrx1
— Lara Logan (@laralogan) January 1, 2025
The incident is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, the authorities said. The Cybertruck had a haul of “fireworks-style mortars” on board, ABC reported, citing an anonymous official briefed on the probe. Investigators are currently trying to establish whether the deceased driver actually intended to set off the explosives.
The Trump International Hotel is partly owned by US President-elect Donald Trump.
Billionaire Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk built close ties with Trump during the Republican’s successful election campaign. Since publicly endorsing him following a failed assassination attempt in July, Musk has gradually become one of his key advisors on both policy and personnel decisions.
READ MORE: Musk living in Trump’s house – NYT
He has attended meetings at the Mar-a-Lago Teahouse, participated in phone calls with foreign leaders, and involved his employees in vetting candidates for senior administration roles. Earlier on Wednesday, the New York Times alleged that Musk has been living at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida since the November election.
