Authorities are looking into a Tesla Cybertruck explosion that occurred on Wednesday outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel in Nevada, with terrorism being considered a possible cause, an official confirmed.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that it is investigating a fire that broke out at the entrance of the hotel tower. While the fire has since been extinguished, the public was advised to avoid the area.
According to an official, the incident occurred when the driver entered the hotel’s valet area and the vehicle exploded. The driver died in the blast, making him the sole fatality. Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries, authorities revealed.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the explosion, whether it was linked to a malfunction within the vehicle or triggered by an external factor. The focus of the investigation is on understanding the cause of the blast.
An official familiar with the investigation informed ABC News that the Tesla Cybertruck was carrying a load of fireworks-style mortars. Investigators are working quickly to determine the motive behind the explosion and whether the driver intentionally caused it.
Until a clear motive is identified and other possibilities are ruled out, authorities are treating the explosion as both a possible criminal act and a potential act of terrorism. Investigations and evidence collection are ongoing.
Multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News that the Cybertruck involved in the explosion was rented through Turo, the same platform that reportedly rented the truck used in the deadly attack in New Orleans.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill spoke to the press, saying investigators are looking into whether there is a link between the Las Vegas explosion and the New Orleans attack.
While the investigation into the nature of the incident continues, McMahill assured the public that there does not appear to be an ongoing threat to the community.
“We believe everything is safe now,” McMahill stated.
However, he urged the public to avoid the area, adding, “We don’t know what we don’t know.”
Given the hotel’s association with President-elect Donald Trump, the property frequently faces security threats, and heightened measures have been in place.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a known ally of Trump, commented on the incident in a tweet on Wednesday afternoon. “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now,” he wrote.
“Will post more information as soon as we learn anything,” Musk continued. “We’ve never seen anything like this.”
Later, Musk shared another update on X, claiming, “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.” It remains unclear whether this claim has been independently verified.
A source briefed on the investigation told ABC News that the explosion was not related to a lithium battery, contrary to some online speculation. There have been past incidents where Tesla vehicle batteries have spontaneously caught fire.
Eric Trump, the executive vice president of the Trump Organization and the son of Donald Trump, addressed the incident on social media.
“Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas,” he wrote. “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 Trump Las Vegas hotel also issued a statement on X, confirming the fire involved an electric vehicle.
“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.”
The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the fire and explosion near the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and has instructed his team to provide any federal assistance needed.
{Matzav.com}