LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – One person is dead and seven others are injured after a car exploded near the Trump International Hotel Wednesday morning.
Sources within the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tell FOX5 that multiple agencies are investigating a possible connection between this incident and the terror attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people.
UMC Hospital told FOX5 they treated two people from this incident and they have since been released.
According to police, the explosion occurred in the valet area of the hotel around 8:40 a.m. after the car pulled in.
Several fireworks and gas canisters were found inside the vehicle, which did not explode. The fire has since been put out by Clark County firefighters, but sources add that the suspect’s body was so badly burned that they cannot identify their race.
During a press conference, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill shared that the suspect was inside the vehicle and died in the explosion. Sheriff McMahill also shared that they are looking for secondary devices and “taking it slow” in their search.
Guests staying on the property and surrounding hotels have told FOX5 that they could hear a large explosion that was notably louder than last night’s fireworks. FOX5 has also received viewer video showing massive plumes of smoke coming from the entrance of the hotel.
Guests staying at the hotel said they were not allowed to leave the lobby while the fire was active, but have since been moved to a Resorts World Ballroom.
Governor Joe Lombardo shared on X that he is working to provide local law enforcement with any resources needed in its response.
-Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, also expressed his gratitude to local law enforcement’s response to the fire in a post on X.
Elon Musk has added that Tesla’s senior team is investigating the incident, adding, “We’ve never seen anything like this.”
He later confirmed that the car was rented, and the explosion was caused by a very large bomb or firework, unrelated to the vehicle.
Sources also tell FOX5 that the Cybertruck contained the explosion, and it “would’ve been much worse” in any other vehicle.
Police activity has shut down Fashion Show Drive between Las Vegas Boulevard and Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. The public is advised to avoid the area while an investigation is underway.
Another update from police is expected at 4 p.m.
This is a developing story, check back later for updates.
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