Turo, the car rental platform that facilitates peer-to-peer vehicle sharing, has expressed deep sorrow over the violent incidents involving vehicles rented through its service in both New Orleans and Las Vegas. In a statement released Thursday, the San Francisco-based company affirmed its commitment to cooperate with law enforcement as investigations into the attacks continue.
The horror unfolded in New Orleans early Wednesday when an armed individual drove a rented Ford F-150 into a crowd, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries in what officials are classifying as a terror attack. Later that day, a separate incident occurred in Las Vegas when a rented Tesla Cybertruck filled with fuel and fireworks exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, leading to the death of the driver and injuries to several bystanders.
Turo representatives clarified that they do not believe either individual who rented the vehicles had a criminal record that would have flagged them as security risks. They emphasized that the company is actively working with law enforcement to help unravel the connections between the two incidents.
Founded in 2009 and operational since 2010, Turo connects car owners with individuals looking for vehicle rentals, much like the model of Airbnb for accommodation. Users can rent a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and trucks, and the process is streamlined through the app, which allows for direct communication between the car hosts and guests.
The company reassured its commitment to maintaining high standards in risk management while expressing condolences and support for the victims and their families affected by this tragic violence.
Overall, while these incidents have cast a shadow over Turo’s service, the company is dedicated to ensuring safety and accountability within its platform, showcasing a strong partnership with law enforcement as part of its ongoing commitment to user safety. This incident underlines the importance of thorough vetting procedures that companies like Turo can develop to enhance security measures for the future.
The hope remains that the ongoing investigations will lead to greater safety regulations and preventive measures in the car rental industry, ultimately protecting the public from similar acts of violence in the future.