Border crossings closed after vehicle explosion on bridge connecting New York and Canada

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A border crossing connecting the United States and Canada has been shut down following a vehicular explosion at a checkpoint located on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, as confirmed by authorities.

The incident transpired on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge, a vital conduit spanning the Niagara River to facilitate travel between the two nations. In an abundance of caution, three additional bridges linking Western New York and Ontario were expeditiously closed.

Eyewitnesses captured the aftermath of the explosion through photographs and video footage, which subsequently circulated on social media platforms. These visuals depicted billowing smoke, flames engulfing the pavement, and a security booth marred by fire damage.

The videos elucidated that the conflagration originated within a designated area of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, situated just east of the primary vehicle inspection point.

The FBI’s Buffalo field office has officially announced its initiation of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Governor Kathy Hochul has reported being apprised of the situation and has undertaken vigilant monitoring of developments.

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, overseeing the management of all four bridge crossings in the vicinity, including Lewiston, Whirlpool, and Peace Bridge, has confirmed the temporary closure of these crossings as well.

Presently, there is a dearth of immediate information available regarding the precise cause that led to the explosion.

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More about Border Crossing Explosion

• NBC News – Vehicle explosion closes U.S.-Canada border crossing in Niagara Falls
• AP News – Vehicle explosion shuts down Rainbow Bridge border crossing
• The Buffalo News – FBI investigating explosion at Rainbow Bridge