An explosion at the US-Canada Rainbow Bridge border crossing, which resulted in at least one fatality, is not believed to be linked to terrorism, according to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, she assured the public that there was no indication of a terrorist attack.
The incident happened before noon on the bridge connecting Canada to New York State. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the seriousness of the situation but cautioned against speculation without accurate information.
This incident coincided with the eve of the US Thanksgiving holiday, causing significant travel disruptions. Immediately following the explosion, all four bridges between Canada and the US were closed, though the Peace, Whirlpool, and Lewiston-Queenston bridges were later reopened. Buffalo Niagara International Airport alerted travelers to expect additional screenings, and the US Federal Aviation Administration reported temporary closures to international flights.
Photos circulating on social media, verified by CNN, show the remains of a vehicle on the US side of the border, with visible thick smoke and fire. One image depicts significant damage to a border guard shack with charred debris nearby.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the vehicle sped at a high rate from the US side, contradicting earlier reports of it traveling from Canada. The car reportedly went airborne over a barrier, landing in a secondary search area before exploding.
Authorities face challenges in confirming the driver’s identity and whether there were one or two occupants in the car due to the condition of the remains. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts to retrieve video from various angles, as witness statements differ.
The FBI, New York State Police, and US Customs and Border Protection are investigating the scene. There have been no other serious injuries reported, and leaders from both the United States and Canada are closely monitoring the situation. Governor Hochul announced her plan to visit Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders.
Following the incident, security measures were heightened, including screenings of every car entering Buffalo International Airport and increased patrols in the nation’s capital by the Metropolitan Police Department. However, officials are not aware of any credible threats.
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