A tragic incident unfolded in Las Vegas early Wednesday when a Tesla Cybertruck carrying fireworks exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, leaving one person dead and seven others injured. Authorities are investigating the possibility of terrorism in connection with the blast.

Fireworks and Fuel in the Cybertruck

The explosion was traced to firework mortars and camp fuel canisters packed into the truck’s bed, which ignited in a powerful blast. The victim, who was inside the Cybertruck at the time, has yet to be identified. Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries, with several requiring hospital treatment.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Clark County Fire Department confirmed the incident occurred in the valet area of the Trump hotel. Officials are working to extract the victim’s body and analyze evidence to determine whether the explosion was deliberate.

Authorities Seek Answers

Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Las Vegas office, said, "Our No. 1 goal is to identify the subject involved and determine if this was an act of terrorism."

The truck had been rented via the Turo app in Colorado. While investigators know who rented it, they have not released the name. Video footage from Tesla charging stations helped trace the vehicle’s journey into Las Vegas, arriving at the Trump hotel just minutes before the explosion.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Responds

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb placed in the truck bed and not by any fault with the Cybertruck itself. “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion,” Musk stated.

Musk, a recent addition to President-elect Donald Trump’s inner circle, added, “We’ve never seen anything like this.” He noted Tesla’s full cooperation with authorities during the investigation.

Political and Security Implications

Authorities are exploring whether the explosion was politically motivated. Sheriff Kevin McMahill acknowledged the potential for such a link, citing the truck’s presence at the Trump hotel and Musk’s close association with the president-elect.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns following a deadly truck-ramming attack in New Orleans earlier on New Year’s Day, which left 15 dead. Police are investigating potential connections between the two events.

Eyewitness Accounts

Ana Bruce, a tourist from Brazil, described hearing three explosions: “The first was when we saw the fire, the second seemed like the battery, and the third was massive—it smoked the whole area.”

Another witness captured video of the flames consuming the futuristic vehicle, a silver-colored Cybertruck.

Official Statements

Eric Trump, executive vice-president of the Trump Organization, praised first responders for their swift action in controlling the fire and ensuring public safety.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities leaving no possibilities unexplored.

For more details, read the original article from CBC News.