A shocking incident unfolded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, as a Tesla Cybertruck suddenly caught fire, engulfing the vehicle in flames. A hotel guest captured a dramatic video of the scene, showing the Cybertruck ablaze just outside the hotel's lobby.
According to eyewitnesses, the Cybertruck "blew up" without warning, with some reporting an explosion and multiple injuries. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have yet to confirm any injuries or fatalities. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident, and local news station KSNV News 3 Las Vegas reported that a vehicle fire was first reported at 8:41 AM local time.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and speculation, particularly given the high-profile connection between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump. Musk was spotted at Mar-a-Lago on New Year's Eve, where he reportedly sat in on Trump's dinner with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Additionally, Musk has been staying at a cottage on Trump's Florida property since around Election Day, according to a report from The New York Times.
Several eyewitnesses have come forward to share their accounts of the incident, including "Ayackle," who captured the lobby video. According to Ayackle, the vehicle lowered itself shortly after pulling up to the lobby, before suddenly exploding. "It started off like colourful fireworks," they wrote on X. "I and my husband were literally standing where the luggage is in the footage. I just saw it pulled up, and it lowered itself like a bus, and boom it goes."
Other eyewitnesses, including Stephen Felando and Max Radford, reported witnessing an "explosion" and capturing videos of the rising smoke. Felando claimed that the windows shook violently on the 53rd floor of the building, while Radford reported multiple explosions.
Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, has issued a statement on the incident, expressing gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response. "Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority," he said.
As the investigation into the incident continues, questions remain about the cause of the fire and any potential implications for Tesla's electric vehicle technology. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety testing and quality control in the electric vehicle industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.