An explosion involving a vehicle crossing from Canada into the U.S. has prompted the closure of the Rainbow Bridge border crossing between Ontario and New York.
The FBI and local officials are investigating the incident, with the situation described as “very fluid.” While the government is currently assuming the incident to be terror-related, details remain unclear.
#FBI Buffalo statement on investigation at the Rainbow Bridge: pic.twitter.com/jRaGLL8sU8
— FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) November 22, 2023
The Fort Erie Peace Bridge is confirmed closed, and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge is in the process of shutting down. New York State agencies are on-site, and Governor Kathy Hochul is coordinating with law enforcement.
Videos on social media depict flames and smoke at the border, and it is uncertain if there are any reported injuries. But one Fox News report on Twitter indicated two people in the exploding car are dead.
⚠️BREAKING – Explosion at Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls pic.twitter.com/TJisheelif
— TRACKER DEEP (@tracker_deep) November 22, 2023
The Canada Border Services Agency is collaborating with U.S. counterparts, and the FBI is leading the ongoing investigation.
Niagara Regional Police took to social media to state: “out of an abundance of caution, the border bridges in Niagara are all closed at this time due to an incident in the United States. We are monitoring the developments. There is no known threat on the Canadian side.”
The situation is still developing.