NIAGARA FALLS, NY – A car explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing, near Niagara Falls, led to two deaths on Wednesday. The incident prompted authorities to shut down four major border crossings between the U.S. and Canada in the region.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that two people in the vehicle died in the explosion. However, both individuals’ nationalities are yet to be identified. A senior U.S law enforcement official revealed that the car had been heading from the U.S side and ended up in a devastating collision with a customs station.
While investigations are underway, New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, dispelled speculations of any terrorist-related activity in the explosion during a recent press conference. A border patrol officer who was in the customs station at the time of the incident was also injured and immediately transported to the hospital.
Footage from a security camera by Customs and Border Protection showed the car in an airborne state. Initial assessments highlighted that a crash occurred due to the vehicle’s high speed, flipped after hitting a curb and exploded while launching into the air after colliding with a fence. Authorities remain uncertain about the intent of the crash—whether it was accidental or deliberate.
Officials in both the U.S. and Canada have responded seriously to the incident, escalating security measures at all border crossings across the country while investigating the incident. The FBI Buffalo field office acknowledged investigating the vehicle’s explosion in a public social media conversation but clarified that the situation remains fluid.
Major checkpoints along the U.S. – Canada Border, apart from the Rainbow Bridge in the region, were temporarily closed following the tragic event. These include the Peace Bridge, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, and the Whirlpool Bridge. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport remains functional with heightened security measures pending further notice.
Law enforcement patrolling and canine presence will be more evident in the transportation system during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, according to a Transportation Security Administration statement.