An explosion has rocked the Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge that connects the US and Canada. In the latest update at 5.30 PM, Governor Hochul said it wasn’t clear whether the driver was intentionally heading for the Rainbow Bridge across the Niagara River when the vehicle hit a median and flew into the air. “Based on what we know at this moment,” she said, “there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash.”
The City of Niagara Falls said the incident involved a vehicle attempting to enter the U.S. The FBI Buffalo Field Office termed the incident an explosion. Two people were left dead, the driver and passenger, and one injured.
Aaron Ferguson, a spokesperson for the city of Niagara Falls, New York, said the vehicle, carrying explosives, was traveling at high speed from that city and crashed into the border station.
Videos showed that the fire was in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area just east of the main vehicle checkpoint. The agency had no immediate comment.
Jim Diodati, the mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, told The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that what happened appeared to be “an isolated incident.”
As a result of the explosion, all four international border crossings between the United States and Canada in Western New York were closed.
The Rainbow Bridge connects the cities of Niagara Falls, USA and Niagara Falls, Canada. It is located less than a mile from the world-renowned waterfalls and it is a popular crossing point for visitors who want to admire both sides of the Falls and enjoy the vast park area that is located on the American side.
The Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge, and Rainbow Bridge are all closed in both directions, according to the general manager of the Peace Bridge, Ron Reinas.
“I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “State agencies are on site and ready to assist.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “additional measures” were being contemplated and activated at border crossings across Canada. In Toronto, about 100 miles (about 160 kilometers) away, police said they were increasing patrols as a precaution.
New York City police were monitoring the news from Buffalo but already had boosted security at various spots because of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.
