Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump Hotel Leaves 1 Dead, 7 Injured in Las Vegas

Incident Overview

A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday morning outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded and caught fire, resulting in one person’s death and seven injuries. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the explosion occurred just after 7:30 a.m. PT, leaving the area in chaos.

Details of the Incident

The Cybertruck, which was rented from Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental service, had been driven from Colorado to Las Vegas. Authorities have confirmed the vehicle’s path through the Las Vegas Strip until it arrived at the hotel. Upon reaching the hotel’s valet area, the explosion occurred, causing significant damage.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that seven individuals suffered minor injuries due to the blast. Although the identity of the person killed in the explosion has not been released, the police are working on confirming details. Law enforcement officials have also found gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the truck’s bed.

Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Reactions

An eyewitness who was inside the hotel posted a video of the explosion on X, which quickly spread across social media. The video captured the moment the Cybertruck pulled up and then exploded, adding to the shocking nature of the event.

Turo’s Role in the Incident

Both the Cybertruck and a Ford truck involved in a separate incident in New Orleans were rented from Turo. The connection between the two incidents is still being investigated. Turo, a platform similar to Airbnb for cars, has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement and have confirmed that the individuals involved did not have any known criminal backgrounds.

Investigation and Updates

The LVMPD is continuing their investigation, examining leads and looking for any additional threats. The police have confirmed that no further danger is expected in the area, but they are remaining cautious.

Elon Musk’s Involvement and Updates

Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to the incident on X, confirming that Tesla’s senior team is investigating the cause of the explosion. Initial data suggested that the vehicle’s telemetry system was functioning normally at the time of the explosion. Musk later clarified that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb in the truck’s bed, and it was unrelated to the vehicle’s operation itself.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

McMahill personally thanked Musk for providing Tesla’s video data and the vehicle’s operational details, which have been useful for law enforcement in understanding the incident.

Broader Context

This explosion incident is gaining attention partly because of Musk’s connections with high-profile figures, including President-elect Donald Trump. Recently, Musk has made multiple trips to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property, leading to further scrutiny. New York Times reported that Musk has been staying at a cottage on the Mar-a-Lago property.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, authorities have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to the Las Vegas community. The tragic incident outside the Trump International Hotel serves as a reminder of the unpredictable risks that can occur when large-scale vehicles are involved in such catastrophic events.

Image Credits:  Screenshot: Las VEgas Police Department Images shared during press conference

Update on Cybertruck Explosion Incident [ Update 2025 ]

New developments have emerged regarding the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The tragic event, which occurred on Wednesday morning, left one person dead and seven injured. Below are the latest updates:

1. Suspect Identification:

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has now identified Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret from Colorado Springs, as the primary suspect. His military ID, credit cards, and passport were found inside the Cybertruck. Video footage from Tesla Supercharging stations between Colorado and Las Vegas confirmed Livelsberger as the driver.

2. Cause of Death and Explosion:

The person who was killed in the explosion is believed to be Livelsberger, although authorities are awaiting DNA confirmation. Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed that the victim died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound just moments before the explosion occurred. The handgun used in the incident was registered to Livelsberger.

3. Connection to Other Explosions:

The LVMPD referenced a fatal attack in New Orleans on the same day, which killed at least 15 people. While no direct link has been established between the two events, the similarities in the nature of the explosions have prompted law enforcement to take additional precautions.

4. Turo’s Role:

Both the Tesla Cybertruck and a Ford truck used in the New Orleans attack were rented via Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental service. Turo has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement authorities and that the individuals involved did not have any criminal backgrounds that would have flagged them as security risks.

5. Elon Musk’s Statement:

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, clarified that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb placed in the bed of the Cybertruck, not by a malfunction of the vehicle. Initial telemetry data from Tesla showed that the vehicle was operating normally at the time of the explosion.

6. Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety:

Authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate threat to the Las Vegas community. Law enforcement continues to investigate and search for any secondary explosive devices, while also maintaining heightened security following recent events in New Orleans.