Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Reveals Just How Strong Vehicle Is

Police investigating the Cybertruck explosion next to a Trump hotel in Nevada have revealed that the body of the vehicle survived the damage caused by the blast. Las Vegas authorities released footage showing that the Cybertruck’s angular shape and reinforced structure caused the explosion to travel “up and out” from the vehicle, rather than exploding outward. Newsweek contacted Tesla for comment on the situation via email. Why It Matters The explosion on Wednesday morning killed one person, who was in the vehicle, and injured seven more after starting a fire at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Local authorities have yet to determine what caused the incident, although several gas canisters and fireworks supplies were found in the back of the vehicle. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, and President-elect Donald Trump, who owns the hotel that was targeted, are close political allies. There is currently no evidence proving the vehicle and location were chosen for political reasons. What To Know During their investigation of the explosion, Las Vegas police published a video of firefighters responding to the explosion. In the video, the Cybertruck’s body can be seen almost completely intact, although the roof and windows have gone, indicating, as police said, that the explosion appearing to travel “up and out” of the vehicle rather than expanding outward. First responders wearing Hazmat gear investigate a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of the entrance to the Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas on January 01, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A person… First responders wearing Hazmat gear investigate a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of the entrance to the Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas on January 01, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A person who was in the vehicle died and seven people were injured. Getty Images This may have prevented additional damage from being dealt to the ground floor lobby of the hotel, which the truck was parked directly in front of. Las Vegas police have said that they believe there is no longer a threat to the community, but told the public to stay clear of the area while the investigation continues. What People Are Saying Tesla CEO and top Trump ally Elon Musk responded to the police video on X, formerly Twitter: “The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upward. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken.” Musk’s pro-Trump political action committee, America PAC, also said on social media: “The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet, because it had most of the blast go up, through the truck and out … The front glass doors at the Trump hotel were not even broken.” What Happens Next The investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing, and police are also yet to determine a motive for the explosion. President-elect Donald Trump has not yet commented on one of his hotels being the scene of the explosion. Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.