A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning, rocking the Las Vegas Strip.
The incident reportedly killed one and injured seven in what authorities are investigating as a potential act of terrorism linked to an earlier deadly attack in New Orleans.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the explosion was caused by “a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck” or “very large fireworks,” emphasizing that the blast was unrelated to the vehicle’s mechanics.
The incident occurred around 9 AM local time, with surveillance footage showing the Cybertruck circling the hotel before parking seconds before detonation.
“Law enforcement currently believes it was most likely intentional,” Musk stated.
“Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way,” Musk said in a subsequent post.
Investigators discovered fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the truck’s bed, reportedly connected to a driver-controlled detonation system.
Daily Mail reported that Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed police are treating the incident as terrorism, particularly given its proximity to the New Orleans attack.
“With the event that occurred [in New Orleans], and the victims there, and the additional IEDs, so as you can imagine, with an explosion here on our iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep the community safe,” McMahill stated.
The earlier attack in New Orleans saw Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, drive an electric vehicle into crowds, resulting in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries.
ABC News outlined that the FBI is investigating potential connections between the two incidents, with both vehicles being rented through the car-sharing platform Turo.
Musk, who has maintained close ties with the incoming president, defended his vehicle’s design: “Cybertruck is the worst possible choice for a car bomb, as its stainless steel armor will contain the blast better than any other commercial vehicle.”
Dramatic surveillance footage captured the explosion’s intensity, with the truck’s roof erupting first before spreading to engulf the entire vehicle.
Witnesses reported seeing debris and sparks flying amid thick black smoke, followed by several secondary explosions.
The blast rattled the luxury hotel, where penthouse suites command up to $2,600 per night.
Eric Trump responded to the incident on social media, stating, “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.”
The FBI’s investigation continues as authorities work to determine whether the driver, who died in the explosion, intentionally triggered the device and if there are broader connections to the New Orleans attack, where investigators discovered unexploded IEDs at the scene.
