Authorities are investigating an explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning involving a Tesla Cybertruck. The incident, which occurred shortly after 8:40 a.m., has left one person dead and seven injured. Law enforcement officials are working to determine whether the event was a terrorist act.

Cybertruck Explosion Sparks Investigation

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed that the 2024 Cybertruck, rented in Colorado, was loaded with fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel connected to a detonation system.

Surveillance footage showed the truck circling the Trump Hotel about an hour before stopping and exploding. Video evidence released by police displays charred gasoline canisters and firework mortars in the vehicle's bed, indicating a deliberate setup.

FBI Acting Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz noted that the agency is treating the explosion as an isolated incident and assured the public there is no ongoing threat.

Limited Damage Thanks to Cybertruck’s Design

Sheriff McMahill credited Tesla’s design for minimizing damage. “The blast was directed upward through the truck, sparing the hotel’s glass doors and lobby,” he said.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, confirmed on social media that fireworks and a bomb unrelated to the vehicle itself caused the explosion. Musk added that Tesla provided authorities with charging station footage to assist the investigation.

Victims and Witness Accounts

Seven individuals sustained injuries in the explosion but are in stable condition, according to Deputy Fire Chief Billy Samuels. Galit Ventura Rozen, a guest at a nearby hotel, described seeing “a huge cloud of smoke” and multiple ambulances responding to the scene.

“We saw a crowd of people, likely Trump Hotel guests, evacuated to a nearby parking lot,” she added.

Investigation Broadens

The vehicle was rented through Turo, a car-sharing platform. Authorities confirmed the renter’s identity but have yet to release the name. This incident coincides with a recent attack in New Orleans involving a Turo-rented vehicle.

Although no connection between the two events has been established, investigators are reviewing any potential links.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo assured the public that state resources are available to support the investigation. Meanwhile, the Trump Organization expressed gratitude to first responders and emphasized the safety of its guests and staff as its top priority.

Broader Implications

The explosion raises concerns about vehicle rental security and potential vulnerabilities. A Turo spokesperson emphasized their commitment to risk management and revealed that neither of the renters involved in the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents had criminal backgrounds.

Sheriff McMahill highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure community safety. “We’re checking for secondary devices and evaluating all leads,” he said. “There’s still much to uncover.”