UPDATE 5:20 PM EST: New York Governor Hochul says ‘no indication of terrorist attack’ in Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion on US-Canada border.
UPDATE 3:40 PM EST: Reuters is reporting that initial U.S. Customs and Border Protection assessment suggests incident at US-Canada border crossing caused by reckless driver whose actions resulted in a crash and fire
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
The Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls is closed in both directions on Wednesday afternoon due to an incident involving a vehicle explosion near Canada-U.S. border.
2 dead in NY vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge border crossing
According to Fox News, there was a “vehicle explosion” at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, between the U.S. and Canada, which they initially described as an “attempted terrorist attack.”
The vehicle, traveling from the U.S. side, was reportedly attempting to approach the border officer building, Fox News reported.
In response to the situation, all bridges in the area are closed, and government buildings have been evacuated, the sources confirmed. Following the reported incident, international border crossing points between Canada and Western New York are shut down.
At least one person, a 27-year-old male, sustained minor injuries, including back pain and minor cuts. He has been taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital, and his condition is not considered severe.
All four international border bridges between the US and Canada closed after the Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion
A representative from the Niagara Falls Mayor’s Office reportedly stated that the closure will remain in effect until further notice, and federal authorities are presently looking into the matter.
Footage from the location reveals smoke and harm to the inspection/screening area that drivers navigate when entering the U.S.
The Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge, and Rainbow Bridge are all shut down in both directions, as confirmed by Ron Reinas, the general manager of the Peace Bridge.
Many people are expected to travel on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is closely monitoring the situation. The FBI is currently at the scene, and as a precautionary measure, law enforcement is deploying K-9 officers to each of the international bridges in the area, reported ABC News.
According to Sky News, the FBI has warned that the situation is “very fluid”.
NY Governor says she 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,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
“At my direction, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York.”
She further said that she was traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and would “update New Yorkers when more information becomes available.”
State agencies are on site and ready to assist, WIVB.com reported.
BREAKING: Strong explosion reported, incident involves vehicle entering US from Canada via Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls; access closed in both directionspic.twitter.com/jk75tSBoLn
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 22, 2023
According to a social media post around noon on Wednesday from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition, the bridge was shut down following a reported explosion at 11:51 a.m.
Sergeant Kerry Schmidt, a media officer from the Ontario Provincial Police, stated that there was a fire, according to Niagrathisweek.com.
Patrol cars from various local police agencies, such as the Niagara Falls Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, are present at the scene.
Police Captain and witness detail scene near Niagara Street and Rainbow Boulevard
A captain from the Niagara Falls Police Department, overseeing the area near the inspection plaza at the intersection of Niagara Street and Rainbow Boulevard, mentioned being unable to comment on the situation.
He then advised a reporter to leave the area, citing it as a “dangerous situation,” Niagra Gazette reported.
Ivan Vitalii from Ukraine, visiting the Falls, noticed a car leaving the 7-Eleven on Niagara Street. He and his friend saw the same car on fire near the bridge entrance as they moved down to the bridge area.
“We heard something smash,” he said. “We saw fire and big, black smoke.”
Images claiming to be from the border control scene depicted a fire and what appeared to be debris on the ground, according to Sky News.
It remains uncertain if there were any injuries or what triggered the explosion at this time.
The Rainbow Bridge links Niagara Falls, New York, with Niagara Falls, Canada. The bridge is situated just under a mile from the world-renowned waterfalls, and provides stunning views of the natural wonder.
