Las Vegas Strip Rattled by Suspected Arson Outside Aria Resort

A sudden blast on the Las Vegas Strip sent a massive column of fire and smoke into the air Friday evening, drawing alarmed crowds and prompting a swift response from emergency crews. The blaze broke out just outside the Aria Resort and Casino, in front of the luxury complex’s main entrance on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Luckily, the Incident Caused Minimal Damage

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident began when a white SUV erratically approached the vicinity of the hotel. Shortly afterward, someone tossed items resembling fireworks out of the vehicle, triggering an explosion and igniting nearby palm trees. The resulting blaze soon attracted dozens of onlookers. Videos on social media showed flames dancing against the night sky and dense smoke rolling down the boulevard.

First responders were on the scene within minutes as Las Vegas police and the Clark County Fire Department moved quickly to bring the fire under control. Two palm trees were scorched, and debris littered the street. Fortunately, nearby buildings, including the Aria itself, suffered no structural damage. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police later issued a statement identifying the likely cause of the blaze as illegal fireworks.

The fire was contained to a small area and was extinguished quickly. An occupant in a vehicle threw fireworks, causing a tree to catch fire.

LVMPD statement

Fortunately for law enforcement, several onlookers were able to provide detailed reports and video evidence. The vehicle was caught on tape speeding away from the scene, and authorities note that the suspects remain at large. Unfortunately, this incident adds to growing concerns about public safety in the Las Vegas resort corridor.

This Case Adds to the Growing Number of Casino-Related Crimes

Just days before the fire, another tragedy took place in front of the Bellagio fountains when a well-known livestreaming couple was gunned down during a broadcast. Police have since apprehended 41-year-old Manuel Ruiz, who is now facing two counts of murder. Authorities note that the shooting marked the culmination of an ongoing rivalry between Ruiz and the victims, where the suspect had taken to social media to taunt them before the attack. 

While Ruiz claimed to have acted in self-defense, alleging the couple were drawing weapons, the livestream video seemed to refute his claims. According to police, the casings found at the scene of the crime matched the 9mm pistol discarded by Ruiz as he fled the scene of the crime, adding to the evidence against him.

These two high-profile incidents have raised alarms over the increasing frequency of violent and disruptive events in and around the Strip. While Las Vegas remains a world-leading destination, authorities are confronted with mounting demands to address the rising frequency of dangerous incidents that endanger locals and tourists.