What is a Cybertruck? Details on Tesla truck involved in blast at Trump Hotel in Las Vegas
One person is dead and seven were injured after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded near the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible act of terror, while the FBI also probes a New Orleans truck attack that killed at least 15 people and wounded a dozen others.
As more information is revealed about both incidents, here is more information about the vehicle used in the Las Vegas blast.
What is a Cybertruck?
First unveiled in November 2019, the Tesla Cybertruck marks the company's entrance into the truck market. With an upper body with a distinctive triangular shape, it's an electric vehicle that looks like something inspired by Roblox. It features a "bullet tough" stainless steel frame and armored glass, which Elon Musk describes as "rock-proof." Industry analysts swiftly determined that Cybertruck's appeal is more of a niche market model than a mass-market vehicle.
According to Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ executive director of insights, who was quoted in a USA Today article, the initial buyers of the Cybertruck will probably be early adopters “who care more about being first to flash the shiny-new, angular toy than the price.”
Other features that set the Cybertruck apart from anything else on the market include:
- Up to 11,000 pounds in towing capacity;
- Up to 2,500 pounds payload capacity;
- A 6-foot-by-4-foot bed;
- 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds.
What happened in Las Vegas?
The Cybertruck involved in the explosion was rented in Colorado and arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 a.m. PT, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. The driver of the vehicle, who authorities have not yet named, drove the vehicle up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before pulling in front of the Trump hotel around 8:40 a.m.
The vehicle sat there about 15 seconds before the explosion went off, McMahill said. Police later discovered gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters, and large firework mortars in the back of the vehicle. The sole individual in the truck died.
The explosion occurred hours after the deadly attack involving a truck on Bourbon Street on New Year's Day. President Joe Biden said federal authorities are investigating whether there may be a link between the fatal truck assault and the explosion in Las Vegas.
Anitra Johnson and USA Today contributed to this story.