Fiery crash kills 2 at Niagara Falls’ Rainbow border bridge. Officials say no sign of terrorism

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In a tragic incident that unfolded at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls, a vehicle speeding towards the U.S.-Canada bridge from the American side met a catastrophic end as it crashed and erupted into flames at a checkpoint on Wednesday. This horrifying event resulted in the loss of two lives and the temporary closure of multiple border crossings for several hours. While the cause of the crash remained uncertain, authorities swiftly ruled out any indication of terrorism involvement.

The FBI’s Buffalo office conducted an investigation, and their findings were revealed late Wednesday. Their statement clarified, “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 incident left both sides of the border in a state of concern, particularly as it occurred just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received briefings on the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.

However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside western New York’s U.S. attorney, Trini Ross, sought to reassure the public. Governor Hochul stated at a news conference, “Based on what we know at this moment, there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash.” Sheriff John Garcia of Erie County concurred, allowing residents to “go on with our lives.”

Security camera footage released by the U.S. government displayed the vehicle’s high-speed journey through a wet intersection, followed by its dramatic airborne trajectory as it crashed into a line of booths, ultimately leading to a fiery explosion.

The identities of the individuals in the vehicle were not immediately disclosed. Governor Hochul indicated that it remained unclear whether the driver, a resident of western New York, had deliberately targeted the bridge spanning the Niagara River. However, it was tragically revealed that the deceased were a husband and wife.

Matthew Miraglia, the FBI special agent in charge in Buffalo, noted that investigators found no incriminating information related to the driver’s social media presence, further underscoring the perplexing nature of the incident.

Senator Chuck Schumer confirmed that there was no connection to any terrorist or criminal group, according to information obtained from the FBI and the White House. Extensive investigations at the scene yielded no evidence of explosive materials or substances.

The Rainbow Bridge, known for its breathtaking views of the falls, along with three other bridges connecting western New York and Ontario, were initially closed as a precaution but later reopened. The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport implemented heightened security measures, causing delays on one of the busiest travel days in the U.S. ahead of Thanksgiving.

While the investigation into this tragic event continues, the incident has left both sides of the border shaken, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and security in these critical transportation corridors.

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More about Bridge Crash

• Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge Incident
• FBI Investigation Statement
• Niagara Falls Police Department
• Border Crossing Updates
• Buffalo-Niagara International Airport Security
• U.S.-Canada Border Security