The Trump International Hotel has been evacuated and guests have been transferred to Resorts World Las Vegas, officials said at the news conference.
In a statement that President-elect Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump, also shared on X, the Trump Organization acknowledged that “an electric vehicle fire occurred at the Trump Las Vegas driveway.”
“The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remains our top priority. “We extend our sincere thanks to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local authorities for their quick response and professionalism,” the statement reads.
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is owned by the Trump Organization and American businessman Phil Ruffin.
Loud explosions can be heard in videos from the lobby as the fire grows just beyond the hotel’s entrance, which is emblazoned with the letter “T” for Trump.
Mary Lescano Paguada, 43, who was vacationing in Las Vegas from San Antonio to celebrate the new year at the hotel, told NBC News she heard an explosion early in the morning.
At first, he wasn’t worried until he started seeing law enforcement officers responding to the scene.
Paguada said that once she and her husband reached the lobby, they heard screams and hotel staff members told them to get out and “not breathe the smoke. Don’t stay.”
She said they were not allowed to return to their rooms after they went downstairs to evacuate the area.
Social media posts showed smoke filling the air around the building. Other videos taken from nearby hotels show rescuers appearing to rush to the scene.
Trump has tapped Musk to co-lead an advisory council, the Department of Government Efficiency, during his second administration, which aims to cut federal regulations and government spending. Musk, who is the richest person in the world, contributed $277 million to support the campaign of Trump and other Republican candidates, according to campaign finance records.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Andres Blankstein, Kelly O’Donnell and tom winter contributed.
