A Tesla Cybertruck exploded and burst into flames outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven others injured. The incident has sparked a comprehensive investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of the explosion and potential connections to a similar incident in New Orleans.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the primary suspect in the incident is Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active duty U.S. Army Green Beret from Colorado Springs. Investigators found Livelsberger's military ID, credit cards, and passport in the Cybertruck, and video footage from various Tesla Supercharging stations between Colorado and Las Vegas identifies him as the driver.

LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that the individual who died in the explosion, believed to be Livelsberger, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound moments before the blast. The handgun used was registered to Livelsberger. While authorities have not conclusively confirmed the identity of the deceased, they are awaiting DNA results to confirm.

The Cybertruck was rented in Colorado via peer-to-peer rental company Turo and driven to Las Vegas, arriving around 7:30 a.m. PT. The vehicle was driven through the Las Vegas Strip before reaching the hotel, where the incident occurred. Police are investigating the individual who rented the vehicle, but have not released their name pending notification of next of kin and confirmation of identity.

Detectives found gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the bed of the truck, which Sheriff McMahill said limited the damage to the surrounding area. An eyewitness captured video of the fire from inside the hotel lobby, which quickly spread on social media.

The incident has raised concerns about potential connections to a similar attack in New Orleans, which killed at least 15 people. While authorities have not made an explicit connection between the two incidents, they are taking precautions and investigating leads. Notably, both vehicles involved in the incidents were rented via Turo, which has been cooperating with law enforcement.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been actively involved in the investigation, providing law enforcement with information about the operation of the Cybertruck and video footage from Tesla charging stations. Musk stated that the vehicle was operating normally at the time of the explosion, according to telemetry data, and that the blast was caused by large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Turo. As the investigation continues, authorities and industry stakeholders will be working to determine how to mitigate these risks and ensure public safety.

In the meantime, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The LVMPD is working closely with partner agencies to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the Las Vegas community.