Niagara Falls, NY – A fiery explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between the United States and Canada in Niagara Falls has sent shockwaves through the region and sparked an FBI investigation. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has closed all legal border crossings between the two countries in Western New York.
Initial reports suggested a potential terrorist attack, but authorities have since retracted those claims. Sources close to the investigation now believe the explosion was likely caused by a reckless driver. Two individuals in the vehicle are reportedly dead, and at least one border agent has been injured.
The explosion occurred at approximately 11:22 AM EST on Wednesday. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle speeding towards the bridge from the U.S. side before it crashed into a checkpoint and erupted into flames. The vehicle was completely incinerated in the blast.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) expressed her concern about the incident, stating that she is “closely monitoring the situation.” The FBI has also released a statement confirming their involvement in the investigation.
BREAKING:
Suspected terror attack in New York State.
A car entering the U.S. from Canada at the Rainbow Bridge border cross exploded.
The explosion comes just hours after a terror warning was issued for New York in connection with the Israel-Hamas War pic.twitter.com/Vdaq7hsYgL
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 22, 2023
Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc acknowledged the seriousness of the incident but declined to speculate on the cause without “reliable verified information.” He emphasized the importance of border security and cooperation between Canada and the United States.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, following an intelligence report from New York State earlier this week that asserted an elevated threat of a terrorist attack due to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
While the investigation into the Rainbow Bridge explosion is ongoing, authorities are urging caution and vigilance. Border crossings between the U.S. and Canada in Western New York remain closed until further notice.
Footage from CCTV Cameras showing the Explosion of a Car at “Rainbow Bridge” Custom’s Checkpoint in Niagara Falls on the Border between Canada and the United States after the Vehicle can be seen Striking a Curb and going Airborne; the Incident was initially believed to have… pic.twitter.com/OirbU4M8JY
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 22, 2023