Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump Hotel kills driver, injures seven VIDEO

A Tesla Cybertruck filled with fuel canisters and fireworks exploded outside the Trump Hotel on January 2 morning, killing the driver and injuring seven others, police confirmed. All injuries were reported as minor, and no individuals involved have been named.

The explosion occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. PT (15:40 GMT) in front of the glass entrance to the hotel. Video footage released by police shows the truck parked near the hotel before erupting in a dramatic explosion, with multi-coloured fireworks shooting out in all directions, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In an evening address, President Joe Biden said, "We’re tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there’s any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans."

The New Orleans incident, which took place just hours earlier, involved a truck adorned with an Islamic State (IS) flag being driven into a crowd, leaving 15 people dead and dozens injured. Improvised explosive devices were also discovered near that scene.

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed authorities are investigating potential links between the two incidents, as well as possible connections to President-elect Donald Trump, who owns the Las Vegas hotel, or Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla.

“Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel—there’s lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward,” McMahill said during a press conference.

The FBI is treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, although they have not yet identified the driver or confirmed ties to any known extremist groups. FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz addressed reporters, saying, “I know everybody’s interested in that word, and trying to see if we can say, ‘Hey, this is a terrorist attack.’ That is our goal, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Investigators revealed that both the vehicle involved in the Las Vegas explosion and the truck used in New Orleans were rented through Turo, a car-sharing app. A Turo spokesperson said the company is cooperating with authorities and noted that neither renter had a criminal background.

“We are heartbroken by the violence perpetrated in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and our prayers are with the victims and families,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The Trump Hotel, a 64-floor luxury property with 1,300 suites, was evacuated as a precaution. Guests were relocated while emergency responders extinguished the blaze and secured the area.

Eric Trump, son of the President-elect, addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “A reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism.”

Witnesses described the chaotic scene. Stephen Ferlando, who observed the explosion from the 53rd floor of the Trump Tower, told The Washington Post, there was "definitely an explosion", and the windows began to shake.

As of now, Las Vegas police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community. President Biden and the White House continue to monitor the situation.

By Vugar Khalilov