A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, with authorities confirming that the driver shot himself in the head just before the vehicle caught fire.
Military officials later identified the driver as an Army master sergeant on leave from active duty. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances and motivations behind the incident, which resulted in injuries to seven people.
At approximately 8:40 a.m. local time, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of an explosion at the hotel, located on Fashion Show Drive, adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip. The rented 2024 Tesla Cybertruck was reportedly parked at the hotel's entrance when it exploded, leading witnesses to report flames engulfing the vehicle.
Following the fire, authorities discovered gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the truck's bed, although the cause of the explosion remains unknown. Tesla's CEO commented that the incident was likely due to large fireworks or a bomb carried in the vehicle, asserting that the truck was functioning properly.
The driver, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Alan Livelsberger from Colorado Springs, had a history of service in the military, having been involved with U.S. Army Special Operations at the time of the explosion. His body was found burned beyond recognition, and he was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Seven other individuals sustained minor injuries, and hotel guests were evacuated following the explosion. The hotel itself did not sustain significant damage. The F.B.I. is investigating whether the incident could be classified as an act of terrorism but reported no ongoing threat to the community.
As of Thursday morning, the scene around the Trump hotel was calm, with police and security personnel present. The F.B.I. has not found any links between this explosion and a separate incident in New Orleans that left 14 dead on New Year’s Day, although investigations are ongoing.
Both the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents involved rented vehicles from the same peer-to-peer rental service, Turo, which connects car owners with renters.