On Wednesday, an explosion occurred at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada. The explosion tragically caused two deaths in a car crash.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York provided updates on the situation. Immediately after the incident, she temporarily closed all four bridges connecting the two countries near Niagara Falls. The governor described the vehicle as “basically destroyed by fire,” leaving only the engine and scattered pieces across the scene. She emphasized the extensive scope, with parts strewn across 13 to 14 booths.
She stated that the investigation is ongoing, underscoring the commitment to ensuring public safety before reopening the Rainbow Bridge.
Later that day, the Whirlpool, Lewiston-Queenston, and Peace bridges reopened, while the Rainbow Bridge remained closed. Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia addressed concerns about the FBI’s assessment and potential terrorist threats.
Govt. on the Rainbow Bridge Incident
Investigators believe a man, with his wife in a 2022 Bentley, crashed into a guardrail and curb at Rainbow Bridge. This collision caused a high-speed incident. After taking off, the car landed in the secondary screening area. The man originally planned to watch KISS perform live in Canada. When the concert got postponed, he decided to visit a US casino. Following the casino’s closure, there was an accident caught on surveillance and social media, showing copious amounts of smoke. According to Governor Hochul, a border patrol agent in a booth suffered minor wounds.
Leaders of the United States and Canada were briefed on the incident. Although Sheriff John Garcia of Erie County initially doubted a terrorist attack. However, he reassured the public that safety measures had been implemented. Calling the collision a “tragic accident,” Garcia highlighted the safety precautions implemented.
On the eve of the US Thanksgiving holiday, the incident disrupted travel, resulting in closures and delays. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed lifting the restriction on international arrivals and departures at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Meanwhile, domestic flights remained unaffected. Authorities additionally advised passengers to undergo extra screening procedures..
FBI States No Signs of Terrorism Threat Linked to Rainbow Bridge Explosion
On Wednesday’s press conference, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia stated that the Rainbow Bridge event does not suggest terrorist threats. Miraglia reassured the public, emphasizing the absence of indications of terrorism.
Miraglia elaborated, stating that the FBI, through the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), is actively investigating a person of interest.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated there is no indication that the explosion at Rainbow Bridge was a terrorist attack. She reassured the public during a press conference.
Trini Ross, the US Attorney for the Western District of New York, emphasized the absence of terrorism links. To alleviate sensitivity, Ross emphasized caution and assured the public that the incident was not perceived as a terrorist act.
Vehicle Owner Identified, Passenger Count Uncertain
Law enforcement sources informed CNN that they have identified the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the Rainbow Bridge incident. Furthermore, the car, originating from the US side, was traveling towards Canada, as reported by sources familiar with the investigation.
FBI’s active efforts to identify the deceased occupant or occupants in the car are visible. They are also examining for any signs of explosives.
Authorities are attempting to establish whether the car is registered to the driver at the scene. However, the condition of the remains has complicated efforts to determine the driver’s identity, as revealed by multiple sources to CNN.
This situation has posed a challenge for authorities in determining if there were one or two people in the car. Initially believing there were two individuals, law enforcement is now uncertain about the number.
Witness Records Smoke and Flames from Rainbow Bridge Vehicle Explosion
Authorities are employing drones to survey the area of impact on Rainbow Bridge actively. This aims to determine the details of what happened at the explosion point.
Surveillance cameras captured the moment a vehicle exploded at the US-Canada Rainbow Bridge border crossing. However, the vehicle involved is not visible in the 10-second video. The timestamp, indicating November 22 at 11:22 a.m., shows a large, relatively slow-moving fireball before dissipating.
On Wednesday, a witness actively recorded a video. It revealed thick clouds of dark smoke rising from the flames. This happened during the vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the US and Canada.
Governor Blames Fast Driving for Deadly Crash
Governor Kathy Hochul couldn’t confirm the vehicle’s origin in the explosion at the US-Canada border that left two dead. However, she mentioned suspicion that it may have come from a nearby casino.
The governor stated that the vehicle was traveling at an extremely high speed before the crash. She emphasized this during the explanation of the incident.
During a news conference, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that a local from Western New York was part of the Rainbow Bridge explosion on Wednesday. She added that a Border Patrol member working in the booth sustained injuries.
Governor Hochul further stated that three land crossings between Canada and the U.S. have reopened, while the Rainbow Bridge remains closed. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there are four ports of entry near Niagara Falls: the Lewiston, Peace, Rainbow, and Whirlpool Bridges.
Additionally, Governor Hochul highlighted the temporary suspension of Amtrak service between New York state and Canada. However, she assured us that the Buffalo airport “never closed,” and there has been no interruption of service.
NYPD Officers Sent to Aid Rainbow Bridge Efforts
Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday that the New York Police Deployment actively deployed officers to assist at the Rainbow Bridge. The exact number of NYPD members deployed and the specific ways they will assist officials on the ground remain unclear.
Additionally, Mayor Adams took the opportunity to remind the public that New York City is presently on heightened alert, especially in anticipation of the upcoming holiday.
