Las Vegas, NV - January 1, 2025

In a shocking start to the New Year, an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck occurred right at the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas this morning, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The incident, which unfolded around 8:40 a.m. PST, sent plumes of smoke into the sky and caused a significant disturbance on the typically bustling Las Vegas Strip.

Witnesses described the explosion as a series of loud "boom, boom, boom" sounds, with one resident near the 64-story luxury building stating, "It was like a rolling garbage dumpster, then I saw that pop up." Video footage circulating on social media captured the Cybertruck engulfed in flames, with the hotel's emergency alarms blaring in the background.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, along with the FBI, swiftly responded to the scene, declaring it an "active crime scene" due to the nature of the explosion and its proximity to recent violent events elsewhere. The police have confirmed that the driver of the Cybertruck was killed in the blast, while seven bystanders sustained minor injuries, some of whom were treated at local hospitals.

Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the explosion, with preliminary reports suggesting the presence of fireworks or other explosive materials within the vehicle. Given the timing, especially after the New Orleans terror attack earlier in the day, the law enforcement agencies are taking no chances, exploring all possible scenarios including a potential act of terrorism.

The incident led to the immediate closure of Fashion Show Drive between Las Vegas Boulevard and Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, causing significant disruptions. Emergency services managed to contain the fire swiftly, but the investigation could mean prolonged road closures and heightened security in the area.

Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, took to social media to express gratitude towards the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their quick response to the incident. However, neither Donald Trump nor Elon Musk, whose company Tesla produced the Cybertruck, have issued public statements regarding the explosion.