Key Points:
- A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one and injuring seven.
- Elon Musk confirmed the explosion was caused by a bomb in the truck bed, unrelated to Tesla’s design.
- Authorities discovered an ISIS flag and are investigating links between the incident and another attack in New Orleans.
- President Joe Biden and the FBI are probing potential connections between the two incidents.
- Musk praised the Cybertruck’s design for deflecting the blast upwards, reducing casualties.
New Delhi: A devastating explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck rocked Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, just outside the Trump International Hotel. The incident claimed the life of the vehicle’s driver and left seven others injured. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has termed the explosion a terrorist attack, clarifying that the cause was a bomb placed in the bed of the rented Cybertruck, not a vehicle malfunction.
What Happened?
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the explosion occurred after smoke was seen billowing from the Cybertruck as it stopped near the hotel’s entry gate. A massive blast followed, shattering windows and sending shockwaves through the area.
- Victim Details: The driver of the Cybertruck, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, was killed instantly. Seven others sustained minor injuries from flying debris.
- Tesla’s Response: Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The entire senior team of Tesla is currently investigating the matter. We have confirmed it was a bomb, unrelated to the vehicle.”
President Biden’s Reaction
President Joe Biden, addressing the incident from the White House, confirmed that law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are investigating possible links to a New Orleans attack that occurred the same day. The New Orleans incident involved a mob attack, leaving 15 dead and over 30 injured.
- ISIS Connection: Authorities have uncovered an ISIS flag near the scene in Las Vegas. An improvised explosive device (IED) was also found, according to an anonymous law enforcement source. Investigators are probing the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, for ties to terrorist organizations.
Musk on Cybertruck’s Design
Elon Musk highlighted the resilience of the Cybertruck, noting that its stainless steel doors and robust structure redirected the explosion upwards, mitigating further destruction.
- “The driver chose the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack,” Musk remarked, emphasizing the Cybertruck’s durability.
- He added that the vehicle’s telemetry systems reported no issues before the explosion.
Turo and Vehicle Rentals Under Scrutiny
The Cybertruck involved was rented through Turo, a popular car-sharing platform. This has raised questions about screening processes for renters in light of the attack.
A Nation on Alert
The Las Vegas bombing follows a spike in terrorist threats within the U.S., with heightened security measures now in place across major cities. As investigations continue, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant.
This dual tragedy, spanning Las Vegas and New Orleans, underscores the evolving nature of modern terrorism and the need for innovative countermeasures. Tesla’s Cybertruck, inadvertently at the center of the attack, has now become a symbol of resilience amid tragedy.
