A Tesla Cybertruck erupted into flames Wednesday morning outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven others, according to local officials.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with videos circulating on social media capturing the chaos and aftermath.

The Clark County Fire Department reported receiving a call at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time about a vehicle fire in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel. The fire department’s initial response included extinguishing the blaze and securing the scene to prevent further injuries.

Videos shared online show the electric vehicle, believed to be a Tesla Cybertruck, fully engulfed in flames just outside the hotel’s main entrance. Sirens are heard blaring inside the hotel lobby as guests and staff evacuate. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the fire intensified.

One social media user recounted being near the hotel’s front door when the vehicle exploded, forcing them to abandon their luggage and evacuate immediately.

The driver of the Cybertruck was confirmed dead at the scene. Seven others sustained injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation. Emergency responders transported the injured to local hospitals, where they are receiving treatment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Las Vegas field office released a statement confirming its presence at the scene to assist local authorities.

The Trump Organization, which co-owns the hotel with businessman Phil Ruffin, issued a statement acknowledging the incident:

“A reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism.”

Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, shared the organization’s statement on social media.

Tesla has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the company’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, has also remained silent on the matter.

Mary Lescano Paguada, 43, a guest from San Antonio, Texas, described the panic and confusion following the explosion.

“At first, I didn’t think much of it until I saw law enforcement swarming the scene,” Paguada said. She added that hotel staff urged guests to evacuate, warning them, “Don’t breathe the smoke. Don’t stay.”

Paguada and her husband were not allowed back into their room after they evacuated.

The explosion occurred days after Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a prominent supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, was announced as co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory council in Trump’s incoming administration. The council aims to streamline federal regulations and reduce government spending.

Musk, who contributed $277 million to Trump’s re-election campaign and other GOP candidates, has not commented on the incident.

Local authorities, including the Clark County Fire Department and the FBI, are working to determine the cause of the explosion. Speculation about the Cybertruck’s design and battery system has drawn attention, as has the connection between Tesla and the Trump administration.

Further updates are expected as investigators piece together the events leading to the tragedy, which has left a somber shadow over the start of the new year in Las Vegas.