US-Canada border crossings near Niagara Falls were closed on Wednesday due to a vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge. Local and state authorities reported that two people were killed in the blast, but their identities were not yet known. The cause of the incident was unclear, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that state police and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force were monitoring all points of entry into the state.
Law enforcement sources cited by US media reported that the car involved had passed through one border checkpoint and was selected for a secondary check. After speeding up and crashing into a barrier, the vehicle exploded, though it was uncertain if the blast was caused by a device. Governor Hochul announced her plans to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders in Buffalo to gather more information.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office confirmed that he had been informed of the situation and was in contact with US law enforcement. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing a large cloud of smoke near the inspections station. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority closed all four bridges connecting the two countries over the Niagara River.
Unverified images posted on social media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the crossing.