A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, 2025, killing the driver and injuring seven others. Elon Musk believes the incident was “likely” an act of terrorism, citing the presence of fireworks and/or a bomb in the truck’s bed.

The explosion occurred shortly after the truck pulled into the hotel’s valet area, with CCTV footage showing the vehicle’s cargo compartment lid ripped off by the blast. Multiple smaller explosions were observed in the area, and the car became engulfed in flames, killing the driver instantly.

Musk denied claims that the Tesla car itself was responsible for the blast, stating that “all vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion”. He also suggested a possible link to a deadly car-ramming and shooting attack in New Orleans, which left at least 15 people dead. Both vehicles were rented from Turo, a car-sharing company.

The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is focused on determining the motives behind the incident and whether the deceased driver intended to set off the explosives. The FBI has identified the driver as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs.