Electric vehicle fire outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas prompts evacuation

Las Vegas—An electric vehicle fire erupted outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, prompting an emergency response and temporary evacuation of guests, authorities said.

In a report by Emmett Lindner and Pashtana Usufzy for the New York Times, videos posted on social media showed a vehicle engulfed in flames near the hotel’s lobby entrance. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or whether there were any injuries.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated that the fire was extinguished before 10 a.m. local time and that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Evacuations and witness accounts

According to the NYT, witnesses reported hearing popping sounds and seeing smoke and sprinklers activated near the entrance. Guests described a chaotic scene as they were asked to leave the building while emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.

Todd Hansen, a hotel guest interviewed by the New York Times, said, “The elevator area was full of people. They wouldn’t let you out into the lobby.” Others, like Shir Poli, reported smelling gas, while Kerri Ford recalled being evacuated in the middle of preparations for her wedding scheduled later that day.

Official response

In a statement shared by Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, he emphasized that “the safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority.”

The Trump Las Vegas Hotel’s social media account echoed the same sentiment, stating that management is cooperating with authorities in their investigation.

Ongoing investigation

While videos circulating online appeared to show a Tesla Cybertruck at the center of the fire, the NYT reported that authorities have not yet confirmed the make and model of the vehicle involved.

The Trump International Hotel, a 64-story tower with 1,300 suites, temporarily restricted access during the incident. Investigators are continuing to assess the cause of the fire and any potential damage.

This is a developing story.