Ranbowbridge blast 2 killed in vehicle explosion on Rainbow Bridge near Niagra Falls on US-Canada Border; terrorism angle suspected
New York: Border crossings between the US and Canada near Niagara Falls were shut down on Wednesday following a vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge, prompting actions by terrorism investigators, media reports said.
According to US media, two people were killed in the explosion, but their identities have not been ascertained till now.
UPDATE: The incident at Rainbow Bridge that closed all WNY border crossings between the U.S. and Canada was termed a "vehicle explosion" by the FBI. https://t.co/miTT6kFmKQ pic.twitter.com/s7afvQBqPE
— News 4 Buffalo (@news4buffalo) November 22, 2023
While the cause of the incident was not immediately apparent, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that state police and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force were monitoring all entry points into the state.
Citing law enforcement sources, the US media reported that there were two passengers in the car.
#FBI Buffalo statement on investigation at the Rainbow Bridge: pic.twitter.com/jRaGLL8sU8
— FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) November 22, 2023
The vehicle had undergone an initial border checkpoint inspection, after which it was sent for a secondary check.
But the car accelerated, collided with a barrier, and exploded.
🚨🚨🚨
— Steve 🇺🇸 (@SteveLovesAmmo) November 22, 2023
Footage shows the moment the car bomb went off at the Rainbow Bridge on the U.S./Canadian border. #explosion pic.twitter.com/dGwBC4r7Ii
The sources underscored that it remained uncertain whether the explosion was caused by a device, AFP reported.
"I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available," Hochul posted on social media.
At my direction, @nyspolice is actively working with the @FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023
I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement & emergency responders & will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available.
I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023
The office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that he had been briefed and was in contact with US law enforcement. The statement said that various Canadian agencies were providing support for the investigation.
Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and a huge cloud of smoke near the inspection station, according to the report.
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