A shocking incident occurred outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday when a Tesla Cybertruck caught fire, leading to the death of one person and injuries to several others. The explosion has prompted investigators to consider the possibility of a terrorist act.
What Happened?
The Tesla Cybertruck, a 2024 model, arrived at the Trump Hotel at 8:40 a.m. local time. Soon after, an explosion occurred, causing the fire. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that a person was found dead inside the truck, while seven others suffered minor injuries from the blast.
Tesla Investigates the Incident
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, expressed his shock over the event. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now. We’ve never seen anything like this.” Tesla is working to understand what caused the fire and explosion in their electric vehicle.
Terrorist Act Possible?
Sheriff McMahill mentioned that the authorities are taking precautions due to the nature of the explosion, particularly after a recent attack in New Orleans. In that incident, the FBI discovered a potential explosive device in a vehicle involved in the attack. Police are carefully investigating the possibility of secondary explosive devices, although they stated there does not appear to be an immediate threat to the public.
The Trump Family Responds
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and son of former President Donald Trump, acknowledged the incident on social media. He stated, “Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas.”
Electric Car Fires Are Different
Electric vehicle fires, like the one involving the Tesla Cybertruck, are known to behave differently than traditional car fires. Experts say that electric vehicle fires can burn longer and are harder to put out, making them more dangerous for responders and those nearby.
Ongoing Investigations
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has already opened an investigation into the Tesla fire. This follows their earlier investigation into a crash and fire involving a Tesla semi-truck on a California highway in 2024. Authorities are working hard to understand what led to this tragic and alarming event.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unique dangers posed by electric vehicles and the need for continued safety measures and investigations in the growing electric car market.