FBI ends investigation of car wreck at Niagara Falls bridge, no indication of terrorism

The FBI has concluded its investigation into the tragic car accident that occurred at the Niagara Falls bridge, resulting in the loss of two lives. Their findings have revealed no indication of terrorism, thereby alleviating a period of heightened tension as Americans prepared to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

On the evening of the incident, a vehicle sped through an intersection, collided with a median, and was propelled through the air before crashing into a row of booths, leading to a fiery explosion at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Subsequently, local law enforcement authorities have assumed control of the case, treating it as a traffic-related matter.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, the FBI’s Buffalo office confirmed, “A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified. The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.”

The responsibility for the ongoing investigation has been transferred to the Niagara Falls Police Department’s Crash Management Unit, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the City of Niagara Falls.

While the identities of the individuals involved in the accident have not yet been disclosed, it has been reported, by an anonymous source who spoke to The Big Big News under conditions of anonymity due to a lack of authorization to release such information, that the victims were a married couple.

The incident prompted the closure of the Rainbow Bridge and three other bridges connecting western New York and Ontario, triggering a significant response from federal authorities. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received briefings on the situation. However, hours later, officials aimed to reassure the public, particularly on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated during a news conference, “Based on what we know at this moment, there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash.” She further described the vehicle as being “basically incinerated,” leaving only the engine and scattered charred debris in its wake. Later that same evening, New York Senator Chuck Schumer emphasized that investigators had found “no connection to any terrorist or criminal group” and confirmed the absence of evidence related to explosive chemicals or substances at the scene during their investigation.

The Rainbow Bridge typically sees approximately 6,000 vehicles cross it each day, according to data from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory.

A witness to the incident, Rickie Wilson, a tour guide in Niagara Falls, recounted his experience. He had been near his parked car when he noticed an object in the air. Initially mistaking it for an airplane, he described the surreal sight, saying, “It looked like slow motion. I said, ‘My God, it’s a car. It’s a vehicle, and it’s flying through the air.'”

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More about Niagara Falls car wreck investigation

• CNN: FBI ends investigation of car wreck at Niagara Falls bridge, no indication of terrorism
• The Big Big News: FBI Ends Investigation Into Fiery Car Wreck at Niagara Falls Bridge
• U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory
• Niagara Falls Police Department