Tesla Cybertruck design saves lives in Vegas explosion

According to CNN, a serious incident occurred in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump Hotel on New Year's Day. The driver, who was killed in the explosion, was identified as a U.S. Army special forces operations master sergeant from the 10th Special Forces Group. CNN reports that he was on leave from his service in Germany when the incident happened.

CNN explains that the explosion, which injured seven people, was caused by a combination of fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel in the truck's bed. It was triggered by a device the driver controlled. The police noted that the Cybertruck's unique body design actually helped contain the blast and prevent more extensive damage. Las Vegas Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed concern about the symbolic nature of the attack, noting the connections between Tesla's Elon Musk and President-elect Trump, as well as the target being the Trump Hotel.

CNN reports that law enforcement agencies, including the FBI in Denver, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Colorado Springs Police, are investigating a home in Colorado Springs connected to the explosion. CNN adds that the incident showed similarities to another attack in New Orleans on the same day, where a truck rented through Turo was used to crash into a crowd, killing 14 people.

CNN adds that the Cybertruck arrived in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday after being rented in Colorado. Surveillance footage showed the driver circling the area for about an hour before stopping at the Trump Hotel, where the explosion occurred. Police footage revealed scorched gasoline containers and firework mortars in the wreckage.

CNN’s source mentions that Tesla CEO Elon Musk cooperated with authorities by providing video footage from charging stations to help track the driver. Musk confirmed on X that the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb in the truck's bed and was not related to the vehicle itself. CNN notes Musk's growing role in Trump's transition team, including his appointment to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy.

CNN reports that Turo, the car rental platform used in both the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents, is cooperating with authorities and stated that neither renter had a criminal background that would have flagged them as security threats. While authorities are investigating possible connections between the two attacks, they currently consider the Las Vegas explosion an isolated incident.