Las Vegas authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion near the Trump Hotel that occurred Wednesday morning, killing the driver and injuring seven others. The truck, rented through Turo in Colorado, arrived in Las Vegas two hours before the explosion, which involved gasoline canisters and fireworks in the truck bed.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed that the explosion caused extensive damage, with fireworks shooting in multiple directions before the truck ignited. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the fire and evacuated the hotel as a precaution. Footage showed charred fuel canisters and mortars, which investigators believe were key to the blast.
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Authorities are probing potential links to a New Orleans attack earlier that week, where a truck displaying an Islamic State flag killed 15 people and injured many others. Similarities between the incidents, including rented vehicles and explosive materials, have raised questions about a possible connection.
The driver of the Cybertruck, identified as 37-year-old Army veteran Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs, had his motives under scrutiny. FBI investigators are determining if the act was terrorism-related, though no evidence of ties to IS has been found.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the explosion was unrelated to the vehicle’s design and credited the Cybertruck’s structure for minimizing damage to the hotel. Speculation about political motives emerged due to Musk’s ties to President-elect Donald Trump and the incident’s location, but no direct connections have been confirmed.
The FBI and local authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if the explosion was an isolated event or part of a coordinated effort. Turo, the rental platform, is cooperating with law enforcement, noting that the drivers involved in both the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents had no criminal history.
Sheriff McMahill assured the public of their safety while urging vigilance, and President Biden stated that the White House is monitoring the situation closely. Both the Trump Organization and Tesla commended the swift response of emergency services.
