NY governor says no sign of terrorism in car crash explosion at Rainbow Bridge border crossing
All four border crossings between the United States and Canada in Western New York were shut down for about five hours on Wednesday following a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge that tragically claimed the lives of two passengers.
According to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the incident is not believed to be an act of terrorism, despite initial reports from national outlets suggesting otherwise.
“At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist-involved attack,” Gov. Hochul stated in a press conference Wednesday evening.
The victims of the explosion were determined to be local to Western New York, and a border patrol agent sustained minor injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
The incident has sparked concerns on both sides of the border, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizing that officials are taking the matter very seriously, and the White House stating that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation. Federal authorities are currently conducting an investigation.
The City of Niagara Falls revealed that the explosion involved a vehicle attempting to enter the U.S., but the origin of the vehicle remains unclear.
Video footage captured a white vehicle going airborne before landing and exploding. Reports of explosives found in the car, as well as a second car en route to another location, have been refuted by New York officials.
The Rainbow Bridge, which connects the cities of Niagara Falls, USA and Niagara Falls, Canada, is located less than a mile from the iconic waterfalls and offers stunning views of the natural wonder.
The City of Niagara Falls has confirmed that federal authorities are investigating the incident, with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and New York State Police closely monitoring all points of entry to New York. Gov. Hochul also announced that she is heading to Western New York to oversee the situation.
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A vehicle detonated at a checkpoint near Niagara Falls, leading to the closure of a bridge connecting the US and Canada on Wednesday, a day known for high travel volume, as confirmed by officials.
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The Rainbow Bridge, which provides access to Niagara Falls, was temporarily shut down following the explosion of a vehicle entering the US at approximately 11:15 a.m., according to the city mayor’s office.
Video footage released shows the moment the car exploded below:
Sources informed Fox News that the incident is being treated as a potential act of terrorism, as explosives were discovered in the vehicle and two occupants were found deceased.
Additionally, a border officer sustained injuries.
The FBI’s Buffalo Field Office is currently conducting an investigation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that she has been briefed on the situation and is closely monitoring it.
She also mentioned that the New York State Police, under her direction, is collaborating with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to oversee all entry points into New York.
Governor Hochul further indicated her plans to travel to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and to provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.
The Rainbow Bridge witnesses a high volume of daily vehicle crossings, with over 2,000 vehicles entering the US on the previous day, according to data released by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.
In November, a total of 50,000 vehicles have entered the US via the bridge, with a significant increase expected on the current day, which is recognized as one of the busiest travel days of the year. The bridge is situated less than a mile from the renowned falls.
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