Investing.com-- A Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) Cybertruck exploded in flames at the entrance of Trump Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday, resulting in one fatality and at least seven injuries, media reports stated.
During a news conference, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill reported that a vehicle fire was called in at the hotel shortly after 8:40 a.m. Responders arrived to find a 2024 Cybertruck consumed by flames, he said.
Authorities, including the FBI, were investigating the incident, raising concerns about potential links to a broader threat following a deadly truck attack in New Orleans earlier the same day, the media reports said citing a press conference.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, clarified on social media that the incident was unrelated to the Cybertruck's design or functionality. "We have now confirmed 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," Musk stated on X.
Tesla's telemetry data reportedly confirmed the vehicle was operating normally prior to the blast, he said.
In another post, he said, "(It) appears likely to be an act of terrorism. Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way."
The explosion is being investigated as a possible terrorist act, the reports said, citing officials.
The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is owned by the Trump Organization, the business entity of incoming President Donald Trump, who will resume his role in the White House on January 20.
Elon Musk is a prominent supporter of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and also serves as one of his advisers.
The Trump Organization expressed concern. Eric Trump, a company executive, shared updates on X, noting that guests were relocated for safety. The hotel resumed partial operations later in the day.