Explosions in Las Vegas, suspected terror attack in New Orleans leave several dead, injured

New Delhi, Jan 02: The United States authorities are investigating two separate incidents in New Orleans and vehicle explosions in Las Vegas, where deaths occurred, both involving rented vehicles, that have raised concerns about possible links and motives.

Las Vegas Explosion Outside Trump Hotel

In Las Vegas, a rented Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fuel canisters and firework mortars exploded outside the Trump Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, killing the driver and injuring seven others. The injuries were described as minor, and no other fatalities were reported.

Footage released by Las Vegas police, as quoted by the international media shows the truck parked near a glass entrance to the hotel before it started smoking and then erupted in a colourful explosion. Officials said remnants of fireworks and fuel canisters were recovered from the scene.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that the vehicle had been rented in Colorado and arrived in the city less than two hours before the incident. Authorities are working to determine the driver’s identity and possible motives.

“We are exploring all possible angles, including connections to other incidents, the Trump Hotel, and even the choice of a Tesla Cybertruck,” McMahill said at a press conference as quoted by the BBC.

New Orleans Attack on New Year’s Day

The Las Vegas explosion occurred hours after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. The attacker, identified as a 42-year-old Army veteran from Texas, was killed in a firefight with police. Officials confirmed that the suspect displayed allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), with an ISIS flag found in his vehicle and pre-attack video statements pledging loyalty to the group.

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) linked to the New Orleans attack were reportedly constructed in an Airbnb rented for that purpose, according to Louisiana’s attorney general.

Possible Connections Under Investigation

President Joe Biden addressed the nation, saying law enforcement was investigating whether there might be a connection between the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents.

“We’re tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas,” Biden said. “Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there’s any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans.”

The FBI has described the New Orleans attack as an act of terrorism, while investigations into the Las Vegas incident are ongoing. Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz said authorities were “trying to determine if we can classify this as a terrorist act,” but so far, there is no evidence of a connection to ISIS in Las Vegas as reported by the media.

Both vehicles in the incidents were rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. Turo stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement in both cities.

The Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, where the explosion occurred, is partly owned by President-Elect Donald Trump. Trump’s son, Eric Trump, confirmed the incident on social media, thanking first responders and emphasizing the hotel’s commitment to safety.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose company manufactures the Cybertruck, was recently named by Trump to co-lead a presidential advisory commission.

Meanwhile, the US officials in both cities have urged residents to remain vigilant. In Las Vegas, police assured the public that there was no immediate threat following the explosion, while the New Orleans attack has prompted heightened security measures across several states of the United States. The investigations into these two incidents are ongoing, with authorities pledging to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.