Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
The Metropolitan Police are conducting an inquiry after a Tesla Cybertruck laden with fuel containers and firework shells detonated outside the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Casualties and Injuries Reported
The driver perished, and seven individuals sustained injuries, according to police, who withheld the identities of those involved. Officials noted that all injuries were classified as minor.
The vehicle was leased in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas Wednesday morning, less than two hours prior to the blast, police stated. Parked near the hotel’s glass facade entrance, the pickup truck began emitting smoke before ultimately exploding.
Presidential Awareness and Investigations
In an evening statement, President Joe Biden mentioned that the White House was monitoring the incident. Law enforcement is probing “whether there could be any potential link with the assault in New Orleans,” which resulted in 15 fatalities early on New Year’s Day.
Details from Law Enforcement
During an afternoon press briefing, Sheriff Kevin McMahill displayed footage of the blast and images of the aftermath, including several fuel containers and large pyrotechnics in the truck bed.
The footage showed the truck stationary near the hotel entrance. After a few moments, the vehicle erupted in a burst of multicoloured fireworks spreading in various directions.
Another video depicted investigators using a black fire-resistant tarp to extinguish the blaze and the charred remnants of the truck bed. Contacts of fuel and gas canisters were left behind, along with the debris from over a dozen firework projectiles.
The fire occurred around 08:40 PT (15:40 GMT), just hours after a man drove a truck displaying an Islamic State group banner into the crowd in New Orleans. At least 15 people were killed, and numerous others were hurt.
Possible Connections and Suspicions
Sheriff McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated the authorities were examining if the incident might be connected to the New Orleans attack, where improvised explosive devices were discovered nearby.
He also mentioned they were exploring whether the incident might be related to President-elect Donald Trump, who owns the hotel, or Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla.
statements from Investigators
“Clearly, a Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel—there are numerous questions we must address as we proceed,” McMahill remarked.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation also stated that the agency was exploring whether the incident could be an act of terrorism. However, authorities clarified they had not yet confirmed the identity of the driver, who died in the vehicle. They also stated they had found no evidence linking this incident to Islamic State (IS).
“We recognize everyone’s interest in that term and our objective is in trying to confirm if this is a terrorist attack,” said FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz during a news conference.
The sheriff highlighted that both vehicles appeared to be rented from Turo, a smartphone-based car rental platform.
A Turo spokesperson commented that the company was assisting authorities in Las Vegas and New Orleans with the investigation. The spokesperson noted both renters did not appear to have criminal records that would have “flagged them as a security risk.”
“We are deeply saddened by the violence in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” the statement read.
Investigators noted that they have obtained the name of the individual who rented the vehicle but have not officially confirmed if that person was driving the vehicle.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
“Given the explosion on a renowned Las Vegas Boulevard, we are implementing all necessary precautions to safeguard our community,” McMahill said during a news conference.
He confirmed, “There is no longer a threat to the Las Vegas community.”
The President’s statement highlighted that he had been informed of both the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas detonation.
“We’re observing the Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas,” Biden said during his evening address.
Evacuations and Witness Accounts
“Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this, including any possible connection with the New Orleans attack.”
Fire department officials reported that emergency services swiftly acted to quench the vehicle fire.
They urged the public to steer clear of the area. The hotel was evacuated, with most guests relocated to an alternate site.
The hotel is co-owned by President-Elect Donald Trump’s organisation. In a posting on X, Trump’s son, Eric Trump, stated that a “reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the driveway of Trump Las Vegas.”
“The safety and welfare of our guests and staff remain our chief concern. We extend our deep gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their prompt response and professionalism,” he stated.
Stephen Ferlando informed the Washington Post that he had seen the incident from his hotel room on the 53rd floor of the Trump Tower. He described it as a “definite explosion” and mentioned that the windows had started to rattle.
Details About the Location
The Trump International Hotel & Tower spans 64 storeys with approximately 1,300 suites, according to its webpage.
Trump recently appointed Musk to co-chair a presidential advisory panel, the Department of Government Efficiency, after they became close allies during Trump’s candidacy.