LAS VEGAS, NV. – Authorities are investigating a Tesla Cybertruck explosion that occurred outside the Trump Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven injured.
The incident unfolded around 8:40 a.m. local time when a Cybertruck pulled up near the glass entrance of the hotel, began emitting smoke, and then exploded, according to police.
The driver of the vehicle was killed in the explosion, and seven others sustained minor injuries, officials said. The injured were treated at the scene, and no names have been released.
WATCH:
The explosion comes just hours after a terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, where a man drove a truck into a crowd, killing ten and injuring dozens. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found at the scene of that incident, raising questions about whether the two events are connected.
Las Vegas Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill addressed these concerns in a press briefing, stating, “We are well aware of what happened in New Orleans and are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our community. At this time, there is no indication of an ongoing threat to Las Vegas.”
READ: Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Among Victims Of New Orleans Terror Attack
Emergency responders quickly extinguished the flames, and the Trump Hotel was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Guests were relocated to alternative accommodations.
Authorities are treating the explosion as a serious incident and are working to determine the cause. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on social media that the company’s senior team is actively investigating.
“Will post more information as soon as we learn anything,” Musk wrote. “We’ve never seen anything like this.”
The Trump Hotel, co-owned by President-elect Donald Trump’s company, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to the safety of guests and staff.
READ: FBI Investigates Possible Accomplices, IED’s In New Orleans Terror Attack
Eric Trump, son of the President-elect, posted on social media: “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.”
The explosion on the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard has heightened security concerns in the wake of the New Orleans attack. Local and federal agencies are working to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
“We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and will share updates as they become available,” Sheriff McMahill said.
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