Car crash at US-Canada border kills 2; terrorism ruled out: A car traveling at high speed crashed and burst into flames on the bridge connecting New York state and Ontario at Niagara Falls, resulting in the deaths of two occupants and causing a security scare that led to the closure of four U.S.-Canadian border crossings.
Following the incident, federal and state authorities conducted an investigation and determined that there was no evidence of terrorism. However, the circumstances surrounding the crash on the Rainbow Bridge remained unclear, leaving it uncertain whether it was accidental or intentional.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that there was currently no indication of a terrorist attack or any threat to the public. This was reiterated by federal and local law enforcement officials during a separate news conference.
The FBI concluded its investigation, stating that no explosive materials were found at the scene and no connection to terrorism was identified.
A video captured by a security camera and shared by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed the car speeding from the U.S. side, colliding with an object, soaring into the air, and then crashing to the ground, erupting in flames. The driver and a passenger of the vehicle died in the crash, while a CBP officer sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital.
The identities of the two individuals killed were not disclosed, although it was reported that the driver was a 56-year-old man traveling in a Bentley car with his wife to attend a concert by the rock band KISS. The band’s performance in Toronto was canceled due to one of the members falling ill.
As a precaution, the Rainbow Bridge and the other three border crossings along the Niagara River were temporarily closed, while other international crossings remained open with heightened security measures. The incident occurred during a time of increased security concerns globally and amid peak holiday travel in the United States ahead of Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport was reported to have closed, but Governor Hochul clarified that there were no disruptions.
Security measures were enhanced at other airports, railways managed by the Niagara-Frontier Transit Authority, and various locations in New York City.
While three of the bridges reopened in the evening, the Rainbow Bridge remained closed for further investigation and safety assessments.
According to eyewitness Mike Guenther, the car crashed into a fence, launched into the air, and exploded in a fireball. He described the vehicle as a luxury sedan traveling at over 100 miles per hour and losing control before the crash. The resulting fire was estimated to be around 30 to 40 feet high.
A car traveling at high speed crashed and burst into flames on the bridge connecting New York state and Ontario at Niagara Falls, resulting in the deaths of two occupants and causing a security scare that led to the closure of four U.S.-Canadian border crossings.
Following the incident, federal and state authorities conducted an investigation and determined that there was no evidence of terrorism. However, the circumstances surrounding the crash on the Rainbow Bridge remained unclear, leaving it uncertain whether it was accidental or intentional.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that there was currently no indication of a terrorist attack or any threat to the public. This was reiterated by federal and local law enforcement officials during a separate news conference.
The FBI concluded its investigation, stating that no explosive materials were found at the scene and no connection to terrorism was identified.
A video captured by a security camera and shared by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed the car speeding from the U.S. side, colliding with an object, soaring into the air, and then crashing to the ground, erupting in flames. The driver and a passenger of the vehicle died in the crash, while a CBP officer sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital.
The identities of the two individuals killed were not disclosed, although it was reported that the driver was a 56-year-old man traveling in a Bentley car with his wife to attend a concert by the rock band KISS. The band’s performance in Toronto was canceled due to one of the members falling ill.
As a precaution, the Rainbow Bridge and the other three border crossings along the Niagara River were temporarily closed, while other international crossings remained open with heightened security measures. The incident occurred during a time of increased security concerns globally and amid peak holiday travel in the United States ahead of Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport was reported to have closed, but Governor Hochul clarified that there were no disruptions.
Security measures were enhanced at other airports, railways managed by the Niagara-Frontier Transit Authority, and various locations in New York City.
While three of the bridges reopened in the evening, the Rainbow Bridge remained closed for further investigation and safety assessments.
According to eyewitness Mike Guenther, the car crashed into a fence, launched into the air, and exploded in a fireball. He described the vehicle as a luxury sedan traveling at over 100 miles per hour and losing control before the crash. The resulting fire was estimated to be around 30 to 40 feet high.
