2 lifeless in automobile explosion at Rainbow Bridge as U.S.-Canada border crossings shut close to Niagara Falls; FBI investigating

Sources say two folks had been killed in a automobile explosion Wednesday afternoon at Rainbow Bridge, a U.S.-Canada border crossing close to Niagara Falls, in western New York. Officers say 4 U.S.-Canada border crossings within the area have been closed as investigators reply to the scenario.

A number of legislation enforcement sources confirmed to CBS Information two folks died contained in the automobile that exploded.

There had been conflicting early studies about which path the automotive was touring, however Wednesday afternoon a senior U.S. legislation enforcement official informed CBS Information the automotive was coming from the U.S. aspect. The official stated it hit the customs station and the automobile is charred. it’s not but identified why the automotive exploded. 

A senior administration official described the incident to CBS Information as “greater than a freak accident, however we do not but have particulars.”

Mike Guenther, a Canadian resident visiting New York, stated he was strolling close by and noticed the automotive dashing in direction of the border crossing.

“And he was flying, over 100 miles an hour. There was a automotive in entrance of him, he swerved out, went in entrance of the automotive, hit the fence, went flying up into the air … and we simply seen the fireball, and that is all we may see, there was simply smoke all over the place,” he stated in an interview with NewsNation.

Guenther stated the automotive was heading from the U.S. towards Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in a speech to parliament that the Canadian authorities is working in shut contact with U.S. officers, and that “extra measures are being contemplated and activated in any respect border crossings throughout the nation.” 

“We’re taking this terribly significantly,” Trudeau stated.

The FBI Buffalo subject workplace posted a press release on social media confirming that it was “investigating a automobile explosion at Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls.” It added that the scenario was very fluid and “that is all we will say right now.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated in a press release that she has been briefed on the scenario. “At my path, the New York State Police is actively working with the FBI Joint Terrorism Job Pressure to watch all factors of entry to New York,” she stated, including that she is on her approach to Buffalo to “meet with legislation enforcement and emergency responders.”

Along with Rainbow Bridge —  a well-liked crossing for vacationers, connecting Niagara Falls, New York, with Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada — Hochul stated three different bridges on the U.S.-Canadian border within the area have been closed following the incident: The Peace Bridge, the Lewiston-Queenston and the Whirlpool Bridge.

The Buffalo Niagara Worldwide Airport says it’s “open and totally operational,” with “moreover safety measures” in place till additional discover. The FAA stated on its web site the Buffalo airport is closed to departing and arriving worldwide flights.

U.S. vacationers throughout one of many busiest journey intervals of the yr can count on to see a rise in legislation enforcement and canines patrolling the transportation system, the Transportation Safety Administration stated in a press release. The TSA stated it’s “working at a heightened degree of safety because of world occasions and the present menace setting.”

New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams stated in a press release, “The NYPD and our group have been carefully monitoring the scenario on the bottom in Buffalo after an explosion on the Rainbow Bridge, and we have already despatched NYPD officers upstate to help efforts on the bottom. The NYPD and our companions have already enhanced safety, and town is on heightened alert as a result of upcoming vacation, so the general public will see elevated safety at places throughout New York Metropolis.”

Toronto police additionally stated they had been stepping up safety, tweeting: “As a result of right this moment’s incident on the Canada-US border, we shall be rising directed patrols of uniformed officers all through town. That is out of an abundance of warning and there are not any identified threats for town of Toronto.”

This can be a breaking information story. Please examine again for updates. Pat Milton, Robert Legare and Andres Triay contributed reporting.