Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas caused by fireworks, not EV fire

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On January 1, 2025, around 9 AM, an explosion originated from a Tesla Cybertruck at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. 

Video footage captured the vehicle exploding in a dramatic display of sparks before bursting into flames. 

While electric vehicle (EV) fires are common, this incident quickly garnered widespread attention due to its unusual circumstances.

Initial speculation across social media suggested that the explosion resembled fireworks rather than a typical EV fire. 

Tesla Cybertruck withstands a powerful explosion 

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, addressed the situation on X, stating that Tesla’s senior team was actively investigating the matter. He emphasized that such an event was unusual for the company.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) composed of fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel, all stored in the bed of the rented Cybertruck. 

Tragically, the driver was killed, and seven others got minor injuries. 

We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.

All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion. https://t.co/HRjb87YbaJ

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025

Musk later clarified on Twitter/X that the explosion had nothing to do with the vehicle’s design and attributed the truck’s build quality to effectively containing the blast, preventing more significant destruction. 

Remarkably, even the hotel’s glass lobby doors remained intact.

Authorities are now treating the incident as a potential terrorist act and are actively investigating it.

While statistically less frequent than internal combustion engine vehicle fires, EV fires present unique challenges. These fires often result from manufacturing defects, software issues, or battery damage. 

It usually happens when heat from burning battery cells ignites adjacent cells, creating an intensely difficult-to-control fire.

Moreover, lithium batteries inside the EVs act as a fuel source and react violently with water, intensifying the flames. 

In such a situation, specialized extinguishing methods, such as copper powder or foam, are often required.

However, many times letting the fire burn out in a controlled environment is the safer option.

Have any thoughts on this CyberTruck blast? What are your theories on this detonation? Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments down below, or ping us via our Twitter or Facebook.