No Indication of Terrorism in Fatal Explosion at US-Canada Rainbow Bridge Crossing, Says New York Governor
Following a fatal explosion that killed two people in a car crash at the US-Canada Rainbow Bridge border crossing on Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated there is no indication of terrorism involved.
Immediately after the incident, all four bridges between Canada and the United States near Niagara Falls were closed, with the Peace, Whirlpool, and Lewiston-Queenston bridges reopening later the same day. The Rainbow Bridge remains closed.
Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) explained their assessment: “We have identified a person of interest and are actively investigating.”
Here are the key details:
- High-speed crash: Investigators believe a man was speeding in a 2022 Bentley with his wife when the vehicle struck a curb and then a guardrail, launching it into the secondary screening area of Rainbow Bridge.
- Event timeline: The crash occurred after the couple left a US casino, having originally planned to attend a concert in Canada that was canceled.
- Casualties: Footage from social media and surveillance cameras captured the aftermath, showing debris and flames. A border patrol employee sustained minor injuries.
- Leaders briefed: Both US and Canadian leaders were briefed on the incident. Erie County Sheriff John Garcia emphasized that while the situation was initially uncertain, precautions were taken to protect the community.
- Travel impact: The incident caused significant travel disruptions on the eve of the US Thanksgiving holiday, briefly halting international flights at Buffalo Niagara International Airport and prompting increased security measures for travelers.
* This update includes the latest information on the driver.
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