Niagara Falls, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the public in a press conference today, providing updates on the investigation into the crash and subsequent explosion that occurred on November 22, 2023, on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge Incident . Connecting the U.S. to Canada, the bridge has been closed in both directions since the incident.
Governor Hochul emphasized that, at this point, there is no evidence pointing to the incident being a terrorist attack. The events unfolded when a vehicle accelerated towards a border checkpoint, collided with a booth, exploded, and became airborne. The extraordinary nature of the incident, with the vehicle reaching considerable heights before crashing and erupting into flames, prompted comparisons to AI-generated scenarios.
Tragically, both the driver and passenger lost their lives in the incident. Governor Hochul revealed that one of the victims was a resident of western New York. A booth agent was also injured but has since been treated and released. The governor highlighted the congested nature of the area, emphasizing the potentially cataclysmic consequences had circumstances been different.
The investigation is expected to be protracted due to the extensive damage to the vehicle and debris scattered across 13 booths. Identification efforts have been complicated by the absence of a license plate. Authorities have also discovered a suitcase or briefcase at the scene, prompting precautions as it is being treated as a possible explosive device. The bomb squad is currently handling the package.
While the Rainbow Bridge remains closed, other nearby bridges in Canada, including the Peace, Queenston-Lewiston, and Whirlpool-Rapids, have resumed normal traffic operations. Ron Rienas, the general manager of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, informed ABC News that all four Canada-U.S. bridges over the Niagara River were temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution during the ongoing Rainbow Bridge investigation.
In response to the incident, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport has heightened security measures, including car checks and additional screenings for travelers.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the explosion and is closely monitoring developments, according to the White House. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured parliament that authorities are actively investigating the incident. Both U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Toronto’s police department have emphasized that the incident does not appear to be terror-related, ensuring continued coordination with state and local officials.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has increased security measures for Thanksgiving, with enhanced police presence at various locations, including entry and exit points in and out of the city. The NYPD is closely monitoring the situation, assuring the public of increased security measures in response to the Rainbow Bridge incident. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging patience, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
For more news click here