Man who died in Tesla that exploded outside Trump hotel was active-duty US army soldier
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The person who authorities believe died in the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside one of Donald Trump's hotels was an active-duty army soldier, US officials have said. Two law enforcement officials identified the man inside the vehicle as Matthew Livelsberger, according to the AP news agency.
He was an army member who spent time at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg, a centre in North Carolina that is home to special forces command, they said. The vehicle caught fire outside the president-elect's hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day. Seven people suffered minor injuries.
The explosion is being looked at as a possible terror attack, officers have said. As yet, no cause for the explosion has been given, but fireworks mortars, cannisters and other explosive devices were found in the back of the truck. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
. The incident occurred just hours after a man drove a truck into crowds celebrating the New Year in New Orleans, Louisiana, killing 15 people. Officers are investigating whether the incidents are connected, Sheriff Kevin McMahill, from Las Vegas police, has said. However, law enforcement officers who spoke to NBC earlier said they did not believe the two incidents were linked.
Mr McMahill said the truck involved in the explosion in Las Vegas was rented in Colorado and arrived in the city at 7.30am local time (3.30pm UK time). "It went immediately up and down Las Vegas Boulevard before immediately pulling into the Trump Towers," he added.
