While much of the world celebrated the arrival of the New Year 2025 on January 1, the United States was struck by two tragic incidents that claimed many lives in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
Tribune Online reports that in the early hours of the New Year, a man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more.
Similarly, on the same day, one person was confirmed dead, and seven others were injured after a Cybertruck caught fire in the valet area of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
According to a police report, the Las Vegas incident occurred after fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel in the truck’s bed were detonated using a device controlled by the driver.
One notable link between the two attacks is that both vehicles were rented through Turo, a car rental platform.
The development has brought Turo into the spotlight, with many eager to learn more about the app and its connection to the incidents.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Turo expressed its condolences and confirmed the involvement of vehicles rented via its platform in the attacks.
“Our trust and safety team is actively partnering with law enforcement authorities to share any information that could be helpful in their investigations,” Turo said in a statement. “We do not believe that either renter had a criminal background that would have identified them as a security threat, and we are not currently aware of any information that indicates the two incidents are related. Turo is dedicated to fostering a trustworthy marketplace.”
In this article, Tribune Online presents what you should know about the app.
1. Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing
Turo operates as a peer-to-peer car sharing platform, allowing users to rent vehicles directly from their owners rather than through traditional rental companies like Hertz or Avis.
2. A Marketplace for a Variety of Vehicles
Unlike traditional rental companies that focus on economy cars, Turo offers a wide selection, including luxury brands such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Tesla models like the Cybertruck.
3. Requirements for Renting
To rent a vehicle on Turo in the US, users need a valid driver’s licence and must be at least 18 years old. Personal car insurance is not required, as Turo provides liability coverage.
4. Trust and Safety Measures
Turo uses a data-driven, multi-layered screening process and applies a “risk score” to each booking. Despite the large volume of trips, less than 0.10% result in serious incidents.
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5. Financial Growth and Popularity
The company experienced rapid growth during the pandemic, with a 213% revenue increase in 2021. As of 2024, Turo reported $722 million in revenue for the first nine months of the year.
6. IPO and Risk Acknowledgements
Turo has been preparing for a public stock offering under the ticker “TURO.” Its prospectus highlights potential risks, including liabilities from accidents, thefts, or crimes involving vehicles rented on its platform.
7. Insurance and Compensation
Turo provides up to $750,000 in third-party liability coverage for every booking. It also reimburses vehicle owners for eligible repairs, up to the lesser of the car’s cash value or $200,000.
8. Implications of Recent Incidents
The recent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, involving Turo-rented vehicles, have spotlighted the platform’s exposure to reputational and financial risks, potentially impacting its business and public perception.
