Police in Las Vegas are investigating an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred near the hotel’s glass entrance, resulted in the death of the vehicle’s driver and left seven others with minor injuries.
Details of the Explosion
The explosion took place at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time (15:40 GMT). According to witnesses, smoke emanated from the truck before it exploded. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the resulting fire, and the hotel was evacuated, with guests relocated for safety.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb. Two sources familiar with the investigation suggested that fireworks may have been involved, but no definitive cause has been determined.
Elon Musk’s Statement
Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating 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.”
Official Responses
Las Vegas Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasized that the city is taking precautions in light of this incident and a separate New Orleans truck attack on New Year’s Day. While the two events are not believed to be connected, McMahill acknowledged heightened public concern due to the recent tragedies.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the incident and offered federal assistance if needed. Meanwhile, Eric Trump, the son of Donald Trump, thanked emergency responders for their swift actions, reiterating the safety of guests and staff as the top priority.
Eyewitness Account
Stephen Ferlando, a guest staying on the 53rd floor of the Trump Hotel, described the explosion to the Washington Post. “There was definitely an explosion,” he said, adding that the impact caused the hotel windows to shake.
Broader Context
The explosion comes at a time of growing concerns over public safety. Sheriff McMahill noted that with such a high-profile location, “there’s lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward.”
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