A deadly explosion occurred on Wednesday outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one and injuring seven others.

“Earlier today a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas,” reported the Trump Las Vegas account via X. The account further emphasized the “safety & well-being” of its guests while thanking “the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response.”

According to a report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, a Tesla Cybertruck was the source of the explosion. The police say the explosion occurred around 8:40 a.m. PST. When LVMPD officers arrived at the location, they reportedly found the vehicle “fully engulfed in flames in the valet area.”

After the fire was extinguished, personnel “discovered a deceased person in the vehicle who was the sole occupant.” This person has been identified as the driver of the vehicle. Seven others reportedly “sustained minor injuries during the explosion.” Officials evacuated the hotel out of caution.

At a later press briefing, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill showcased surveillance videos of the explosion. Per this footage, the vehicle suddenly erupted into sparks and flames as it idly sat outside the Trump hotel. Other videos taken by witnesses at the time show the explosion from different angles both inside and outside the hotel.

Sheriff McMahill also presented drone footage after the fire was put out, showcasing some of the explosive material within the vehicle including gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and firework mortars.

Despite the amount of explosive material, the explosion itself was relatively contained to the immediate area surrounding the Cybertruck.

Sheriff McMahill points out that the blast “went up through the truck and out,” limiting a large amount of potential damage. Even “the front glass doors at the Trump hotel” remained intact, said McMahill, despite the Cybertruck being parked directly in front of the entrance.

According to the police report, the vehicle was supposedly rented “in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas at approximately 7:30 a.m.” where it navigated “through the Las Vegas Strip until it reached the hotel where the incident occurred.”

A joint investigation between the LVMPD and federal partners has been opened into the incident.

FBI special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz, who also gave remarks at the press briefing on Wednesday, said they are looking into the possibility of this being “an act of terrorism.” As of now, there is no confirmation regarding any plot of terrorism. Sheriff McMahill said that the incident is being considered as an “isolated” one with no further threat of immediate danger.

Investigators know the identity of the person who rented the truck but are hesitant to release any information on possible suspects at this time.

The car was rented through the car-sharing marketplace Turo, which was also used by the individual who carried out the devastating attack in New Orleans.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed that they “are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents.” The company further defended its actions, saying that neither renter involved in these separate attacks “had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat.”

President Joe Biden remarked on Wednesday that investigators are still looking at any possible connection between the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks. Some reports on this matter have also questioned if there is a possible link between the choice of vehicle and location of the explosion.

The Cybertruck is a newer model from electric vehicle company Tesla, which is owned by Elon Musk. Musk has been a notable ally to President-elect Trump prior to the 2024 election. Following his victory, Trump also recruited Musk to co-lead a new advisory organization in his administration known as the Department of Government Efficiency.

The question of this link being a factor in the attack was brought up in the Las Vegas press conference on New Year’s Day. Sheriff McMahill remarked that there are “obviously things to be concerned about there,” but there was no identifiable confirmation as of now.

Ian Patrick is a freelance reporter.  He is the former senior editor and co-creator of FISM News.