Tragic Incident Unfolds at Niagara Falls’ Rainbow Border Bridge with No Indication of Terrorism

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In a tragic incident that unfolded at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, a vehicle speeding towards the U.S.-Canada border from the American side met with a devastating crash and subsequent explosion at a checkpoint on Wednesday. This unfortunate event claimed the lives of two individuals and led to the temporary closure of multiple border crossings for several hours. Authorities, at this juncture, are grappling with the mystery surrounding the cause of the accident, with no indications pointing towards a terrorist attack.

The incident at the Rainbow Bridge, which transpired just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, has stirred concerns on both sides of the border. Promptly informed, U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were briefed on the matter. Trudeau even excused himself from Question Period in the House of Commons to obtain further information, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

A few hours later, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Trini Ross, U.S. attorney for western New York, addressed the public. They sought to alleviate fears while emphasizing that the investigation was still in its preliminary stages.

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.”

Security camera footage released by the U.S. government depicts the vehicle racing through a wet intersection, colliding with a low median, and soaring high into the air within a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area, just east of the primary vehicle checkpoint. The car traveled a significant distance while twisting in the air before crashing into a line of booths, obscuring it from the camera’s view.

Rickie Wilson, a tour guide in Niagara Falls, recounted his astonishment when he witnessed the incident. He initially mistook the airborne object for an airplane, only to realize it was a vehicle in flight. He stated, “I first thought it was an airplane. It looked like slow motion. I said, ‘My God, it’s a car. It’s a vehicle, and it’s flying through the air.'”

The identities of the individuals in the car have not been disclosed. Governor Hochul mentioned that it remains unclear whether the driver, who was a resident of western New York, intentionally headed for the bridge that spans the Niagara River.

According to a source briefed on the investigation, the two individuals who lost their lives in the accident were a husband and wife. The source requested anonymity because they were not authorized to release information about the deceased.

Matthew Miraglia, the FBI special agent in charge in Buffalo, reported that investigators have not uncovered any “derogatory” information about the driver. He added, “We’re scanning his social media. There’s nothing there.”

Officials have indicated that the vehicle was traveling at an extremely high speed as it approached the bridge at around 11:30 a.m. in downtown Niagara Falls, an area that includes several hotels and a casino. The vehicle was left completely incinerated, with only the engine remaining, and debris was scattered across a dozen checkpoint booths. Governor Hochul described the video of the car in mid-air as “absolutely surreal.”

Images and videos captured by bystanders and shared on social media depicted thick smoke, flames on the pavement, and a singed security booth. A Customs and Border Protection worker in a checkpoint booth sustained minor injuries, received medical treatment, and was subsequently released, as confirmed by Governor Hochul.

Witness Melissa Raffalow, from within Niagara Falls State Park, reported seeing “a huge plume of black smoke” rise above the border crossing, which was approximately 50 yards away from the popular tourist destination. Raffalow added that police arrived swiftly, urging visitors to disperse while cordoning off the area.

Raghu Bhattarai, the owner of Niagara Tandoori Hut, a restaurant near the bridge, recounted hearing a “boom” followed by the sight of black smoke rising a few minutes later.

The Rainbow Bridge, a picturesque span offering breathtaking views of the falls, along with three other bridges connecting western New York to Ontario, was swiftly closed as a precaution. Subsequently, three of the bridges reopened, while the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport initiated security checks on all vehicles and informed passengers to anticipate additional screenings.

These security measures led to traffic congestion at the airport and other areas, coinciding with one of the busiest travel days of the year in the United States, just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

In Toronto, located approximately 100 miles away, police increased patrols as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, New York City police monitored developments from Buffalo but had already enhanced security at various locations due to the upcoming Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Rainbow Bridge, frequented by about 6,000 vehicles daily, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory, witnesses approximately 5% of truck traffic, as per federal data. This bridge, constructed in 1941, spans just over 1,440 feet and boasts a main span constructed of steel, according to available data.

This tragic incident, shrouded in uncertainty, continues to be investigated by authorities, with numerous questions surrounding the cause of the vehicle’s catastrophic crash and explosion.

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[Source: Associated Press, November 22, 2023]

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