Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
January 2 , 2025
Las Vegas – A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, causing widespread panic and confusion. The incident, initially feared to be an act of terrorism, was later revealed to be a publicity stunt for the highly anticipated sequel to the Netflix hit movie "Leave the World Behind."
The explosion occurred early Wednesday morning, drawing immediate attention from law enforcement and emergency services. The Cybertruck, filled with gasoline canisters and large firework mortars, burst into flames just moments after pulling up to the hotel's entrance. The blast resulted in the death of the driver and minor injuries to seven bystanders.
As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that the explosion was part of a promotional campaign for the sequel to "Leave the World Behind," a popular Netflix movie based on Rumaan Alam's novel. The stunt, however, did not go as planned, leading to unintended consequences and a public outcry.
A spokesperson for the movie's production team issued an apology, stating, "We deeply regret the incident that occurred outside the Trump International Hotel. Our intention was to create a memorable and impactful promotional event, but it went terribly wrong. We apologize to everyone affected and are cooperating fully with the authorities."
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are continuing their investigation to ensure that no further threats are posed to the community. Meanwhile, the production team behind "Leave the World Behind" is facing criticism for their reckless and dangerous publicity stunt.
As the dust settles, questions remain about the planning and execution of the stunt, and whether proper safety measures were in place. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with high-profile promotional events and the importance of prioritizing public safety.
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