LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Cybertruck explosion in the porte cochère of Trump International Hotel Las Vegas early Wednesday morning forced the evacuation of the luxury property, leaving one person confirmed dead, authorities said.
Guests were relocated to Resorts World Las Vegas as fire and law enforcement officials worked to secure the scene. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the blast, followed by thick smoke and chaos in the hotel lobby.
Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, shared a statement from the Trump Organization on X, acknowledging the incident: “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 harrowing moments after the explosion. Mary Lescano Paguada, 43, a guest visiting from San Antonio, said she heard a loud blast in the early morning hours.
“At first, I thought it was fireworks, but then I saw smoke and hotel staff shouting for everyone to get out,” Paguada told NBC News.
“They told us not to breathe the smoke. It was terrifying.”
The vehicle involved in the explosion was identified as a Tesla Cybertruck, recently acquired by its owner. Investigators are probing whether a mechanical failure or external factors caused the incident.
The Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, co-owned by the Trump Organization and businessman Phil Ruffin, became the site of the tragedy just as the new year began.
The explosion has added a layer of scrutiny to President-elect Trump’s recent decision to appoint Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency in his incoming administration. Musk, who contributed $277 million to Trump’s campaign and other GOP candidates, has faced questions about the safety of Tesla’s vehicles in the past.
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