A tragic incident unfolded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning when a Tesla Cybertruck suddenly caught fire and exploded, resulting in the death of the occupant.
Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries in the blast, which happened near the hotel’s covered entrance, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill, US Today reports.
“There does not appear to be any further threat to our community here now,” McMahill said during a news conference.
The deadly explosion outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas came amid heightened security concerns, following a devastating terror attack in New Orleans earlier on New Year’s Day.
In that incident, a truck was used to carry out an attack that resulted in the loss of 10 lives and left over 30 people injured, prompting law enforcement in Las Vegas to be on high alert.
“We’re very well aware of what has happened in New Orleans with the event that occurred there, and the number of victims there and the additional IEDs. So as you can imagine, with an explosion here on iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, we are taking all of the precautions that we need to take to keep our community safe,” McMahill said.
The Tesla Cybertruck, which made its debut in 2019, is the company’s inaugural truck model and boasts a battery-powered electric design.
Its futuristic, post-apocalyptic aesthetic drew significant attention upon its release.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously touted the vehicle’s robust features, including a “bulletproof” stainless-steel frame and “basically rock-proof” armored glass.
However, the Cybertruck’s durability is now under scrutiny following a recent incident in which one of the vehicles caught fire and exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on January 1, 2025, with local authorities currently investigating the matter.
“Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. 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,” Trump Las Vegas posted on X.
