Rainbow Bridge explosion: Possible cause of Niagara Falls crash revealed

The cause of Wednesday’s Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now probing whether a mechanical failure could be to blame.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple, identified on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

Dramatic footage captured the vehicle speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border, became airborne and then combusted, killing the pair inside.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack but New York Governor Kathy Hochul and FBI officials later said there was “no sign of terrorist activity”.

Instead, law enforcement sources told CNN that the victims were a local New York man and his wife, who have not been named, who were planning to attend a KISS concert in Canada on Wednesday night.

The gig was cancelled and so they stopped by the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino before the vehicle made the ill-fated trip towards the US-Canada border crossing.

Key Points

• New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to KISS concert’

• Casino where car stopped before crash cooperating with police

• Dramatic surveillance footage captures fiery car crash

• New York Governor Hochul says ‘no sign of terrorist activity’

05:00 , Kelly Rissman

Tributes pour in after Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani died in the crash

The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.

“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.

“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”

The couple’s friend Chuck Meyer also revealed his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

“I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didn’t know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars,” he told the local outlet on Thursday.

“I thought, ‘Oh, they’re having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, that’s really nice.’ And then about an hour later, heard the news and I’m like, ‘oh my God.’”

04:00 , Kelly Rissman

Who were the two people killed in the blast?

Law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday night that the Rainbow Bridge crash is believed to have involved a local New York individual and a passenger who had planned to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, Canada.

The concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman, Paul Stanley, falling ill with the flu.

Police identified the couple on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53; they lived in Grand Island, New York. They are survived by two children, according to an obiturary for the husband’s father.

The Villanis own Gui’s Lumber, a business with eight locations across western New York.

In a statement to CBC, the business wrote: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”

Read the full story...

What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion

03:00 , Kelly Rissman

A cancelled KISS concert to a fatal crash

A deadly crash at a border crossing between the US and Canada is believed to have involved a New York couple who had planned to attend a Kiss concert in Toronto on Wednesday night.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but were said to have lived in western New York, were speeding in their Bentley when the car rammed into the Rainbow Bridge crossing, killing them both.

The blast sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and US officials to briefly close all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Instead, the investigation so far indicates that the couple were planning to cross the border to go to a Kiss concert in Toronto that night. But the concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman Paul Stanley becoming ill with the flu.

02:00 , Kelly Rissman

The timeline

Wednesday, 22 November:

• The band KISS cancelled its Toronto show due to frontman Paul Stanley catching the flu

• A New York couple, who had been planning on going to the concert, decide to go to a casino

• The couple left the casino, and headed toward the bridge

• 11.50am: The Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”

• Gov Kathy Hochul announces “there is no indication of a terrorist attack”

• The FBI also said “no terrorism nexus was identified”

Friday, 24 November:

• Police identify the couple as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani from Grand Island New York

• They were survived by their two children

01:00 , Kelly Rissman

Bentley spokesperson weighs in

In the wake of the incident, Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

Erin Bronner, a spokesperson for Bentley USA, told WIVB 4: “We will work with the authorities quickly as soon as we are contacted and if we can aid in any investigation.”

00:00 , Kelly Rissman

Right-wing figures bashed for rushing to label crash a terrorist attack

A number of right-wing figures quickly branded the crash a “terrorist attack,” sparking criticism.

Senator Ted Cruz also claimed the incident was a terror attack, tweeting: “This confirms our worst fear: the explosion at Rainbow Bridge was a terrorist attack.”

Congressman Byron Donalds also chimed in. “Today’s apparent terrorist attack must be a wake-up call to all Americans. Now—more than ever—we need a change in leadership in our nation,” he said. “As authorities respond to this ongoing situation, I extend my prayers to all those impacted by this terror and pray for our great nation.”

Florida Senator Rick Scott and presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy, as well as Donald Trump Jr, among others, also suggested the explosion was a terrorist incident, linking it to border enforcement policies.

CNN reporter Oliver Darcy criticized Fox News’ initial “terrorist attack” reporting in an interview with Abby Phillip on Wednesday.

“This was irresponsible reporting, this was reckless reporting and by all accounts, it was inaccurate reporting,” he said, adding that it was reported “for hours” and the network sent out a push alert on the terrorism report.

Political strategist Lindy Li also criticised Fox News, tweeting: “Contrary to what Fox News wants you to believe the car explosion on the Rainbow Bridge was NOT a terrorist attack but a terrible accident,” she said.

“Trump’s violent insurrection against our Capitol WAS a terrorist attack and NOT a normal tourist visit. Learn the b****y difference.”

Friday 24 November 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

What caused the crash?

The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.

On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department – which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism – carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an “accident” just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.

“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” Ms Hochul said.

She added: “Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I won’t call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life – but at this time: no known terrorism activity.”

The FBI’s Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that “no terrorism nexus was identified”.

Friday 24 November 2023 22:40 , Kelly Rissman

What New York officials have said about the crash

Friday 24 November 2023 22:20 , Kelly Rissman

Mystery clouds the cause of the Rainbow Bridge crash

The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Read the full story...

Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash

Friday 24 November 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened in the fatal crash

A couple from New York died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canada border crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.

The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted “into a fireball” just before midday, according to witnesses.

Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.

The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.

Despite mounting speculation the crash was a terrorist act, within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.

Read the full story...

What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion

Friday 24 November 2023 21:40 , Kelly Rissman

The latest from the Niagara Falls police

Friday 24 November 2023 21:20 , Kelly Rissman

What happened to the border patrol worker?

A Customs and Border Protection worker in a checkpoint booth was injured after the couple’s Bentley rammed into the booth.

The CBP worker was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released, Gov Kathy Hochul said.

Friday 24 November 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman

Who were the two people killed in the blast?

Law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday night that the Rainbow Bridge crash is believed to have involved a local New York individual and a passenger who had planned to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, Canada.

The concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman, Paul Stanley, falling ill with the flu.

Police identified the couple on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53; they lived in Grand Island, New York. They are survived by two children, according to an obiturary for the husband’s father.

The Villanis own Gui’s Lumber, a business with eight locations across western New York.

In a statement to CBC, the business wrote: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”

Friday 24 November 2023 20:40 , Kelly Rissman

A statement from the family

The Villanis own Gui’s Lumber, a chain of stores across western New York. CBC reached out to the business:

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing,” the statement says

Friday 24 November 2023 20:20 , Kelly Rissman

Tributes pour in for couple killed in fiery crash

The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.

“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.

“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”

Read the full story...

Tributes pour in for couple killed in fiery crash on Rainbow Bridge

Friday 24 November 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman

The timeline

Wednesday, 22 November:

• The band KISS cancelled its Toronto show due to frontman Paul Stanley catching the flu

• A New York couple, who had been planning on going to the concert, decide to go to a casino

• The couple left the casino, and headed toward the bridge

• 11.50am: The Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”

• Gov Kathy Hochul announces “there is no indication of a terrorist attack”

• The FBI also said “no terrorism nexus was identified”

Friday, 24 November:

• Police identify the couple as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani from Grand Island New York

• They were survived by their two children

Friday 24 November 2023 19:34 , Kelly Rissman

Buffalo airport reopens to international flights after explosion

Buffalo Niagara International Airport has reopened to arriving international flights and departures following a car explosion that occurred at the US-Canada border in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, according to the US Department of Transportation.

It had been closed earlier in the afternoon as officials investigated the cause of the blast.

The incident occurred shortly before 12pm. Authorities say that the vehicle had attempted to cross the US border into Canada using Rainbow Bridge. When a border patrol officer directed the car into a secondary lane for searching, it sped up, went airborne over an 8-foot fence, crashed, caught on fire and then exploded.

Read the full story...

Buffalo airport reopens to international flights after Niagara blast

Friday 24 November 2023 19:20 , Kelly Rissman

Chilling footage revealed

The CBP released harrowing footage of the moment that the car went flying through the air, which can be seen in the upper part of the video.

Friday 24 November 2023 19:00 , Kelly Rissman

The blast could have been caused by a “fuel-air explosion,” former official says

Scott Sweetow, the former director of the FBI’s Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center, told CBS News the eruption may have been the result of a “fuel-air explosion.”

“I am speculating that, due to the high speed of the car, and almost disintegration of [the car], that as fuel in the breached gas tank went forward under high speed, it mixed with the air and created almost a cloud of gasoline, which then ignited, creating the dramatic fireball we all saw,” he told the outlet.

Friday 24 November 2023 18:40 , Kelly Rissman

Theory that the deadly crash was caused by a terrorist act has been throughouly rejected

On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department – which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism – carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an “accident” just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.

“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” Ms Hochul said.

She added: “Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I won’t call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life – but at this time: no known terrorism activity.”

The FBI’s Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that “no terrorism nexus was identified”.

Friday 24 November 2023 18:20 , Kelly Rissman

The bridge is reopened

Friday 24 November 2023 18:20 , Kelly Rissman

What exactly happened in the Rainbow Bridge crash?

At 11.50am ET, the Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”, according to an incident alert from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition.

Witness Mike Guenther told NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV that he had been walking on the bridge when he saw a speeding car approach the border checkpoint, hit a fence and go airborne before exploding.

Another witness told reporters that he had seen the vehicle catch fire, before seeing black smoke and flames.

Ambulances arrived soon afterward to find the vehicle completely burned out. Two individuals travelling in the car died, officials said.

Friday 24 November 2023 18:00 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Smoke billows from Niagara Falls explosion as two people dead in vehicle blast

Friday 24 November 2023 17:40 , Kelly Rissman

Gov Kathy Hochul said she initially thought the crash was AI-generated

At a press conference earlier this week, the governor said, “You actually had to look at it and say, was this generated by AI?”

“Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire,” she explained.

She and the FBI have ruled out that the incident was a terrorist act. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Friday 24 November 2023 17:20 , Kelly Rissman

What was the cause of the fatal crash?

The cause of the crash is still unknown, but officials have ruled out that it was caused by a terrorist act.

Others have speculated that it was caused by the Bentley, which the couple were driving.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the US arm of Bentley Motors told the outlet that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

We might not know exactly what happened for some time. “Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete,” the Niagara Falls Police have said.

Friday 24 November 2023 17:00 , Kelly Rissman

New York officials weigh in on the crash

Friday 24 November 2023 16:40 , Kelly Rissman

Friday’s statement from police

Friday 24 November 2023 16:20 , Kelly Rissman

The timeline

Wednesday, 22 November:

• The band KISS cancelled its Toronto show due to frontman Paul Stanley catching the flu

• A New York couple, who had been planning on going to the concert, decide to go to a casino

• The couple left the casino, and headed toward the bridge

• 11.50am: The Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”

• Gov Kathy Hochul announces “there is no indication of a terrorist attack”

• The FBI also said “no terrorism nexus was identified”

Friday, 24 November:

• Police identify the couple as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani from Grand Island New York

• They were survived by their two children

Friday 24 November 2023 16:00 , Kelly Rissman

What caused the crash?

The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.

Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.

Friday 24 November 2023 15:40 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened in the fatal crash

A couple from New York died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canada border crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.

The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted “into a fireball” just before midday, according to witnesses.

Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.

The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.

Despite mounting speculation the crash was a terrorist act, within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.

Read the full story...

What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion

Friday 24 November 2023 15:20 , Kelly Rissman

What we know about the couple killed in the Rainbow Bridge crash

Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed in Wednesday’s crash.

An obituary for Kurt Villani’s father revealed that the couple were survived by two children.

Kurt P Villani’s father, Kurt M Villani, had operated Gui’s Lumber/Ace Hardware with his wife since the mid-1980s.

The company’s website shows that the business now spans eight locations across Western New York.

Friday 24 November 2023 15:00 , Kelly Rissman

Kurt Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53, died in the crash

“The City of Niagara Falls would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families as they deal with this tragedy,” authorities wrote.

Although little is known about the couple at this time, law enforcement said that the couple had been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, but had to cancel their plans after the frontman Paul Stanley fell ill with flu. The Villanis then headed to a casino near the border, CNN reported.

Read the full story...

Couple killed in Rainbow Bridge car explosion identified

Friday 24 November 2023 14:34 , Kelly Rissman

Couple tragically killed in Rainbow Bridge crash has been identified

Niagara Falls police identified Grand Island, New York residents Kurt P Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53, as the victims of Wednesday’s fatal crash, WIVB4 reported.

Although little is known about the couple at this time, it was previously revealed that the pair had planned on attending a KISS concert in Toronto but were forced to change their plans when the gig was cancelled due to the frontman falling ill.

Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash

Friday 24 November 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp

The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.

A New York couple, who have not been publicly named, were both killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Now, two days on, investigators are still working to piece together what caused the deadly crash which has left the couple’s upstate New York community in mourning.

Read the full story here:

Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash

Couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion reportedly planned to go to KISS concert

Friday 24 November 2023 14:10 , Ariana Baio

The New York couple that died in a fiery crash after their car hit a curb and launched into the air on the Rainbow Bridge had reportedly been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto,

Investigators told news outlets the two people in the car, were a man and a woman planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto but were forced to change their plans when the gig was cancelled due to the frontman falling ill.

The pair reportedly drove a Bentley vehicle to the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, located less than a mile from the bridge, where they made a brief appearance.

The crash then unfolded when the couple left the casino and began travelling at high speeds toward the Rainbow Bridge, which connects New York to Canada.

Many questions remain as to what caused the crash and whether it was intentional or accidental, with investigators probing the possibility that the driver may have suffered a medical emergency.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified, were residents of western New York.

Friend of victims reveals shock at learning they were involved in Rainbow Bridge crash

Friday 24 November 2023 13:50 , Rachel Sharp

The couple’s friend Chuck Meyer also revealed his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.

“I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didn’t know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars,” he told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ on Thursday.

“I thought, ‘Oh, they’re having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, that’s really nice.’ And then about an hour later, heard the news and I’m like, ‘oh my God.’”

The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson said.

“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.

“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”

Mystery over cause of Rainbow Bridge crash

Friday 24 November 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp

The cause of Wednesday’s Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now probing whether a mechanical failure could be to blame.

Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.

Dramatic footage captured the vehicle speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border, became airborne and then combusted, killing the two people inside.

Watch: Border guards turn cars away from US crossing on Wednesday

Friday 24 November 2023 13:10 , Ariana Baio

Rainbow Bridge: What we know about couple’s last known movements

Friday 24 November 2023 12:50 , Rachel Sharp

A deadly crash at a border crossing between the US and Canada is believed to have involved a New York couple who had planned to attend a Kiss concert in Toronto on Wednesday night.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but were said to have lived in western New York, were speeding in their Bentley when the car rammed into the Rainbow Bridge crossing, killing them both.

The blast sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and US officials to briefly close all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Read the full story here:

New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to Kiss concert’

Timeline: Rainbow Bridge explosion

Friday 24 November 2023 12:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Wednesday 22 November

At approximately 11:20am: A Bentley crashes into a curb at Rainbow Bridge, launches through the air and explodes, killing two people inside and injuring one outside of the vehicle.

11:32am: Niagara Falls Police Department arrives at the scene.

11:51am: Rainbow Bridge closed.

Approximately 12:50pm: New York Governor Kathy Hochul briefed on the situation.

Approximately 1pm: FBI in the Buffalo field office opens an investigation.

4:20pm: Injured person released from hospital.

Approximately 5pm: Ms Hochul confirms the incident was not related to terrorism. Other US-Canada bridges reopen.

Approximately 9:30 pm: FBI Buffalo close their investigation and hand it over to Niagara Falls Police Department

Thursday 23 November

9 am: Niagara Falls PD says an investigation may take some time and is awaiting the victims’ positive identification.

WATCH: Surveillance footage shows car speeding moments before explosion

Friday 24 November 2023 12:10 , Rachel Sharp

‘It was like something you’d see in Hollywood’ says bystander

Friday 24 November 2023 11:50 , Ariana Baio

Witness Rickie Wilson, a 65-year-old tour guide and DJ, said the crash looked like something out of a Hollywood movie.

Mr Wilson, who saw the speeding car leave the ground as it crashed, told The New York Times: “It hit a concrete barrier and went up.

“It came down and hit an inspection booth. Then there was a lot of black smoke, and then a fire.”

He added: “I know I sound crazy, but the car was in the air. And not three or four feet in the air. It was like something you see in Hollywood.”

ICYMI: Misinformation about Rainbow Bridge explosion circulates social media

Friday 24 November 2023 11:30 , Ariana Baio

In the minutes after a car exploded on Rainbow Bridge on the border of New York and Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, reports emerged that a bomb caused the explosion leading to concerns of a terrorist attack.

Several right-leaning news outlets, including Fox News, sounded the alarm of the potential threat.

However, shortly after officials in the FBI confirmed that “no explosive materials and no terrorism nexus” were identified at the scene. Rather, the car carrying two passengers was travelling at high speeds, crashed, caught fire and then exploded.

But on social media, misinformation about the explosion continued to circulate into Thursday because some posts remained up with no updated information, including one from Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Right-wing figures slammed for rushing to brand Niagara blast a terrorist attack

Friday 24 November 2023 11:10 , Martha McHardy

Right-wing figures have been slammed for rushing to brand a deadly Niagra Falls car explosion that killed two people in a terrorist attack.

A New York couple, who have not been identified, was killed on Wednesday night when their car crashed at a border crossing between the US and Canada, leading to an explosion.

Their car was travelling at speed when it hit a curb on the US side of the border and became airborne before exploding, according to the FBI field office in Buffalo, New York.

The blast initially sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and New York officials to briefly shutter four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.A Fox News report cited “high-level police sources” who linked terrorism to the crash and believed the two people travelling in the car packed it “full of explosives,” a claim the network later retracted.

Senator Ted Cruz also claimed the incident was a terror attack, tweeting: “This confirms our worst fear: the explosion at Rainbow Bridge was a terrorist attack.”

Meanwhile, other right-wing figures also linked the explosion to terrorism and blamed Joe Biden’s border policies, including Florida congressman Byron Donalds, who wrote in a since-deleted X post: “Open borders, soft-on-crime policies, and bending a knee to the woke PC mob.”

“Today’s apparent terrorist attack must be a wake-up call to all Americans. Now—more than ever—we need a change in leadership in our nation,” he said. “As authorities respond to this ongoing situation, I extend my prayers to all those impacted by this terror and pray for our great nation.”

Florida Senator Rick Scott and presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy, as well as Donald Trump Jr, among others, also suggested the explosion was a terrorist incident, linking it to border enforcement policies.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul later confirmed at a press conference that there was “no sign of terrorist activity”.

Rainbow Bridge reopens after fiery car crash

Friday 24 November 2023 10:50 , Rachel Sharp

The Rainbow Bridge reopened on Thursday – one day after the fiery car crash that left a New York couple dead.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the development in a post on X on Thanksgiving.

“Only one day after the horrific incident on the Rainbow Bridge closed nearby cross-border travel for hours, the bridge is now reopen,” she said.

“I am grateful to the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, @CBP, & all working to keep New Yorkers safe during the busiest travel time of the year.”

Casino where car stopped before crash cooperating with police

Friday 24 November 2023 10:30 , Ariana Baio

A vehicle involved in the explosion at Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino just moments beforehand, the Seneca Nation said in a statement provided to The Independent.

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino is a gaming facility and resort located less than a mile from the Rainbow Bridge which connects the US to Canada.

The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the casino, said a vehicle stopped at its location “only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred”. They did not confirm if the vehicle was the one that crashed and exploded.

After reviewing information regarding the vehicle, the Seneca Nation said it provided it to law enforcement in their investigation into the explosion that killed two people.

“We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into the incident that occurred near the Rainbow Bridge. We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred,” the Seneca Nation said.

Driver of vehicle was New York resident

Friday 24 November 2023 10:10 , Ariana Baio

In a press conference earlier, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that the driver of the vehicle was a “western New York resident”.

Ms Hochul said that she could not confirm reports that the vehicle had been travelling from a nearby casino to Toronto, adding: “but there is suspicion that the vehicle may have originated in that vicinity”.

There were two occupants in the vehicle, a man and a woman, when the car crashed near the US-Canada border crossing and burst into flames.

Their identities have not been confirmed by the Niagara Falls Police Department yet.

Tributes pour in for couple killed in fiery crash on Rainbow Bridge

Friday 24 November 2023 09:50 , Rachel Sharp

Tributes are pouring in for the New York couple who were killed in the fiery car crash on the Rainbow Bridge which connects the US and Canada.

Though they are yet to be formally named by investigators, devastated friends, neighbours and loved ones in the upstate New York community of Grand Island know the victims’ identities and are devastated by what has happened.

The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.

“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.

“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”

Read the full story:

Tributes pour in for couple killed in fiery crash on Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge explosion: Border guards turn cars away from US crossing

Friday 24 November 2023 09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

ICYMI: Two dead in car explosion that closed US-Canada border bridge

Friday 24 November 2023 09:00 , Graeme Massie

New York’s governor says that there is “no sign of terrorism” in the violent vehicle explosion that left two people dead and injured a border guard at the Rainbow Bridge crossing between the United States and Canada in New York near Niagara Falls.

Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that there was no evidence of any terror planning and that an investigation would continue to look into what happened.

“This vehicle basically incinerated, there is nothing left but the engine. it is going to take a long time for our federal law enforcement partners to piece together the real story,” she told a press conference and said no threats had been made against the region. “The pieces are scattered over 13, 14 booths so it is a large scene.

“Based on what we know at this moment there is no sign of terrorist activity. This is a local individual. It’s a Western New York resident who was most likely in that vicinity prior to the high speed, high rate of speed, extraordinarily high rate of speed that led to the crash into the median that sent the vehicle airborne.”

She added: “We need to dial down the temperature, all is well, we are still investigating but based on the preliminary investigation there is no sign of terrorism in this horrific explosion.”

The couple, who have not been identified but are said to live in western New York, were travelling in their speeding Bentley when the car rammed into the crossing, law enforcement sources told CNN.

The sources said that the couple were planning to cross the border to go to a KISS concert in Toronto that night. But, the concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman Paul Stanley being taken ill with flu.

The pair instead headed to a casino not far from the border, CNN reported – with the crash then unfolding when the couple left the casino in their Bentley.

Surveillance footage captured the vehicle driving at high speed and exploding as it crashed near a security checkpoint at the Rainbow Bridge crossing on Wednesday morning.

The car became airborne during the incident and crashed into a cement pillar. A suitcase was found near the vehicle but did not contain any explosives, officials told The New York Times.

Bystanders describe seeing ‘ball of fire’ at border crossing crash

Friday 24 November 2023 08:30 , Ariana Baio

Thick smoke, flames and a singed security booth could be seen in photos and videos taken by bystanders and posted on social media. Videos showed that the fire was in a US Customs and Border Protection area just east of the main vehicle checkpoint.

Speaking to WGRZ-TV, witness Mike Guenther said he saw a vehicle speeding toward the crossing from the US side of the border when it swerved to avoid another car, crashed into a fence and exploded.

“All of a sudden he went up in the air and then it was a ball of fire like 30 or 40 feet high,” Mr Guenther told the station. “I never saw anything like it.”

CCTV captures car travelling at speed moments before explosion

Friday 24 November 2023 07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

CCTV footage shows the moment a car travels at speed while approaching the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls.

The surveillance footage released by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows a white car speeding towards the bridge connecting the US and Canada on Wednesday, 22 November.

In the video, the car hits a ramp and is airborne, before causing an explosion, which isn’t captured in the footage.

It is confirmed the explosion killed two people who were inside the vehicle.

Rainbow Bridge: CCTV captures car travelling at speed moments before explosion

Misinformation about Rainbow Bridge explosion circulates social media

Friday 24 November 2023 07:00 , Ariana Baio

In the minutes after a car exploded on Rainbow Bridge on the border of New York and Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, reports emerged that a bomb caused the explosion leading to concerns of a terrorist attack.

Several right-leaning news outlets, including Fox News, sounded the alarm of the potential threat.

However, shortly after officials in the FBI confirmed that “no explosive materials and no terrorism nexus” were identified at the scene. Rather, the car carrying two passengers was travelling at high speeds, crashed, caught fire and then exploded.

But on social media, misinformation about the explosion continued to circulate into Thursday because some posts remained up with no updated information, including one from Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

FBI ends investigation of car wreck at Niagara Falls bridge, no indication of terrorism

Friday 24 November 2023 06:00

The FBI has ended its investigation of a fiery car wreck that killed two people at a border checkpoint in Niagara Falls after finding no evidence that it was a terror attack, easing a tense period of high tensions as Americans headed into the Thanksgiving holiday.

The FBI’s decision late Wednesday came several hours after the vehicle raced through an intersection, hit a median and was launched through the air before slamming into a line of booths and exploding at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Local police are now handling the case as a traffic investigation.

“A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified,” the FBI’s Buffalo office said in a statement. “The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.”

FBI ends investigation of car wreck at Niagara Falls bridge, no indication of terrorism

- AP

Who are the victims?

Friday 24 November 2023 05:30 , Ariana Baio

Two individuals were killed when their car crashed into a curb at the Rainbow Bridge and exploded.

Preliminary reports indicate the people inside the vehicle were a man and woman from western New York though their identification is pending results and notification of next of kin.

Investigators said the man in the car was believed to be attending a KISS concert in Ontario but had to make a change in plans after it was cancelled.

The driver is thought to have briefly stopped by the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino – located less than a mile from the bridge. The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the resort and casino, said they were cooperating with police in providing information.

It is unclear if the two people inside the vehicle were married but reports indicate they were a “couple.”

New York governor says ‘Footage of crash will make your jaw drop’

Friday 24 November 2023 05:00 , Ariana Baio

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said footage she had seen of the incident at the US-Canada border crossing was “rather extraordinary”.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Ms Hochul said that watching the footage of the vehicle, which was travelling at a “high rate of speed” would make “your jaw drop in disbelief”.

Speaking about the driver, she told reporters the individual “was most likely in that vicinity prior to the high speed... [an] extraordinarily high rate of speed that led to the crash... that sent the vehicle airborne.”

She added: “When you see this video, your jaw will drop in disbelief at how this went so high over an eight-foot-high fence. It’s rather extraordinary.”

Investigation will ‘take some time’

Friday 24 November 2023 04:30 , Ariana Baio

After a car exploded at the Rainbow Bridge was determined to be unrelated to a terrorism attack, the Niagara Falls Police Department will take over as lead investigators but said it may take a while before a conclusion is drawn.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, the police department said they would be investigating the incident but that people should not expect any conclusions soon.

“Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete,” the Niagara Falls Police Department wrote.

They said they are awaiting positive identification of the victims involved in the crash and to notify their next of kin before releasing any names.

A New York couple, fiery car crash and Thanksgiving travel chaos: What we know about Rainbow Bridge explosion

Friday 24 November 2023 04:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Two people died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canada border crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.

The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted “into a fireball” just before midday, according to witnesses.

Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.

The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.

Within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.

Read the full piece by Bevan Hurley here:

What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion

New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to Kiss concert’

Friday 24 November 2023 03:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A deadly crash at a border crossing between the US and Canada is believed to have involved a New York couple who had planned to attend a Kiss concert in Toronto on Wednesday night.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but were said to have lived in western New York, were speeding in their Bentley when the car rammed into the Rainbow Bridge crossing, killing them both.

The blast sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and US officials to briefly close all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Instead, the investigation so far indicates that the couple were planning to cross the border to go to a Kiss concert in Toronto that night. But the concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman Paul Stanley becoming ill with the flu.

Read the full story here:

New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to Kiss concert’

Customs and Border Patrol release video of vehicle airbound

Friday 24 November 2023 03:00 , Ariana Baio

Bystanders describe seeing ‘ball of fire’ at border crossing crash

Friday 24 November 2023 02:00 , Ariana Baio

Thick smoke, flames and a singed security booth could be seen in photos and video taken by bystanders and posted on social media. Videos showed that the fire was in a US Customs and Border Protection area just east of the main vehicle checkpoint.

Speaking to WGRZ-TV, witness Mike Guenther said he saw a vehicle speeding toward the crossing from the US side of the border when it swerved to avoid another car, crashed into a fence and exploded.

“All of a sudden he went up in the air and then it was a ball of fire like 30 or 40 feet high,” Mr Guenther told the station. “I never saw anything like it.”

Watch: Car explodes in CCTV at US-Canada border crossing

Friday 24 November 2023 01:00 , Ariana Baio

Casino where car stopped before crash cooperating with police

Friday 24 November 2023 00:00 , Ariana Baio

A vehicle involved in the explosion at Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino just moments beforehand, the Seneca Nation said in a statement provided to The Independent.

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino is a gaming facility and resort located less than a mile from the Rainbow Bridge which connects the US to Canada.

The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the casino, said a vehicle stopped at its location “only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred”. They did not confirm if the vehicle was the one that crashed and exploded.

After reviewing information regarding the vehicle, the Seneca Nation said it provided it to law enforcement in their investigation into the explosion that killed two people.

“We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into the incident that occurred near the Rainbow Bridge. We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred,” the Seneca Nation said.

New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to Kiss concert’

Thursday 23 November 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

A deadly crash at a border crossing between the US and Canada is believed to have involved a New York man and his wife who had planned to attend a Kiss concert in Toronto on Wednesday night.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but were said to have lived in western New York, was travelling at speed in their Bentley when the car rammed into the Rainbow Bridge crossing, killing them both.

The blast sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and US officials to briefly close all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Rachel Sharp reports:

New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to Kiss concert’

Investigation will ‘take some time’

Thursday 23 November 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

After a car exploded at the Rainbow Bridge was determined to be unrelated to a terrorism attack, the Niagara Falls Police Department will take over as lead investigators but said it may take a while before a conclusion is drawn.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, the police department said they would be investigating the incident but that people should not expect any conclusions soon.

“Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete,” the Niagara Falls Police Department wrote.

They said they are awaiting positive identification of the victims involved in the crash and to notify their next of kin before releasing any names.

In Photos: The car explosion at Rainbow Bridge

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:30 , Ariana Baio

Who are the victims?

Thursday 23 November 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio

Two individuals were killed when their car crashed into a curb at the Rainbow Bridge and exploded.

Preliminary reports indicate the people inside the vehicle were a man and women from western New York though their identification are pending results and notification of next of kin.

Investigators said the man in the car was believed to be attending a KISS concert in Ontario but had to make a change in plans after it was cancelled.

The driver is thought to have briefly stopped by the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino – located less than a miles from the bridge. The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the resort and casino, said they were cooperating with police in providing information.

It is unclear if the two people inside the vehicle were married but reports indicate they were a “couple.”

Rainbow Bridge could open as soon as today

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:30 , Ariana Baio

Rainbow Bridge could reopen as soon as Thursday afternoon, Ken Bieger the general manager of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission hinted at to the Niagara Falls Review.

After a vehicle sped toward the US-Canada border crossing bridge on Wednesday and exploded, the bridge has remained closed as investigators search the area and engineers ensure the stability.

But Mr Bieger said that as soon as the bridge is given the all-clear it can reopen, which could be as soon as Thursday.

“We’re having our engineers do a walk-through and check out the integrity of the facility that was damaged or where the car hit,” Mr Bieger told Niagara Falls Review.

“I walked it this morning myself, too, and we’re assuming that the structure integrity is ok... So if that’s the case, sometime today, we’re expecting it to reopen,” he added.

The vehicle hit the customs area near a canopy area on Wednesday when it exploded. Mr Bieger said engineers were checking poles and the building near the location of the crash to make sure it was sturdy.

But he said people could “anticipate… positive news” later today.

Jim Diodati, the mayor of Niagara Falls, Canada, also shared the article on X. 

Right-wing figures slammed for rushing to brand Niagara blast a terrorist attack

Thursday 23 November 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Right-wing figures have been slammed for rushing to brand a deadly Niagra Falls car explosion that killed two people in a terrorist attack.

A New York husband and wife, who have not been identified, were killed on Wednesday when their car crashed at a border crossing between the US and Canada, leading to an explosion.

The couple, who reportedly lived in western New York, were on their way to a KISS concert in Toronto but supposedly took a detour to a casino after the gig was cancelled.

Their car was travelling at high speeds when it exploded at the Rainbow Bridge.

The blast initially sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and New York officials to briefly shutter all bridges between the two countries and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

A Fox News report cited “high-level police sources” who linked terrorism to the crash and believed the two people travelling in the car packed it “full of explosives,” a claim the network later retracted.

Martha McHardy reports:

Right-wing figures slammed for rushing to brand Niagara blast a terrorist attack

Customs Border Patrol agent injured and released from hospital

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:30 , Ariana Baio

The deadly car crash that occurred on Wednesday at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls resulted in two deaths and one minor injury.

The person injured in the crash was a Customs Border and Patrol (CBP) agent who suffered minor injuries and was released from Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center later that afternoon.

Timeline in Rainbow Bridge explosion

Thursday 23 November 2023 19:00 , Ariana Baio

Wednesday 22 November

Approximately 11:20am: A Bentley crashes into a curb at Rainbow Bridge, launches through the air and explodes, killing two people inside and injuring one outside of the vehicle.

11:32am: Niagara Falls Police Department arrives at the scene.

11:51am: Rainbow Bridge closed.

Approximately 12:50pm: New York Governor Kathy Hochul briefed on the situation.

Approximately 1pm: FBI in the Buffalo field office opens an investigation.

4:20pm: Injured person released from hospital.

Approximately 5pm: Ms Hochul confirms the incident was not related to terrorism. Other US-Canada bridges reopen.

Approximately 9:30 pm: FBI Buffalo close their investigation and hand it over to Niagara Falls Police Department

Thursday 23 November

9 am: Niagara Falls PD says an investigation may take some time and is awaiting the victims’ positive identification.

Watch: Surveillance footage shows car speeding moments before explosion

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:30 , Ariana Baio

Rainbow Bridge explosion not linked to terroism

Thursday 23 November 2023 18:00 , Ariana Baio

The car that exploded at Rainbow Bridge on the border of the US and Canada is not related to a terrorism attack, the FBI in Buffalo and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Wednesday.

Preliminary reporting of the indecent floated the idea that the car carrying two passengers may have had explosives on it and intended to erupt into flames at the border.

However, a federal investigation conducted by the FBI field office in Buffalo said the vehicle was driving at high speeds, crashed, launched through the air and then exploded in a random event.

“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 statement from the FBI Buffalo said.

It is unclear what exactly caused the driver of the vehicle to drive at high speeds resulting in the crash.

Canadian MP criticised for calling crash a ‘terrorism attack’

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:40 , Ariana Baio

A member of the Canadian Parliament is facing backlash from his colleagues after prematurely calling the crash at the Rainbow Bridge a “terrorsim attack” in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, used the car accident to ask the Speaker of the House of Commons what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would do to ensure safety of Canadian citizens.

However, US officials determined hours after the attack that the incident was not terrorism-related.

Now other MPs are calling Mr Poilievre “highly irresponsible” and “dangerous” for making his remarks.

“He literally just says whatever he wants on the record in the House of Commons while refusing to get briefed by the government. Straight from Trump’s MAGA playbook,” Adam van Koeverden wrote on X.

But when asked a press conference on Thursday, if he thought it was “responsible” to declare the incident a terrorist attack even before US officials had, Mr Poilievre turned the tables on media outlets.

“Where you are wrong is that CTV reported that the government of Canada was presuming that the incident was terrorist and that’s what I said in my remarks,” Mr Poilievre said.

What is Rainbow Bridge?

Thursday 23 November 2023 17:10 , Ariana Baio

The Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge, more commonly referred to as Rainbow Bridge, is a bridge that connects the US to Canada via New York.

Located in Niagara Falls, the 1,450-foot arch-style bridge was built in 1940 and opened in November 1941.

It is one of four bridges that connect the US to Canada near Niagara Falls.

Where is Rainbow Bridge?

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:50 , Ariana Baio

Casino where car stopped before crash cooperating with police

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio

A vehicle involved in the explosion at Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino just moments beforehand, the Seneca Nation said in a statement provided to The Independent.

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino is a gaming facility and resort located less than a mile from the Rainbow Bridge which connects the US to Canada.

The Seneca Nation, which owns and operates the casino, said a vehicle stopped at its location “only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred”. They did not confirm if the vehicle was the one that crashed and exploded.

After reviewing information regarding the vehicle, the Seneca Nation said it provided it to law enforcement in their investigation into the explosion that killed two people.

"We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into the incident that occurred near the Rainbow Bridge. We have reviewed and provided information related to a vehicle that stopped at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino only for a matter of minutes shortly before the crash occurred,” the Seneca Nation said.

Read: Niagara Falls Police Department provide statement on crash

Thursday 23 November 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio

Rainbow Bridge closed today

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:35 , Ariana Baio

As of 9:30am EST, Rainbow Bridge was closed, the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition (NITTEC) notified travellers on their official page.

The bridge, in both the US and Canada, was closed “due to a traffic event” which took place on Wednesday.

Camera footage of Rainbow Bridge was unavailable on the website. It is unclear when or if the bridge will open later today.

Other international bridges connected Canada and the US, like the Peace Bridge and Lewiston Queenston Bridge remained open.

Identity of people involved in crash pending identification

Thursday 23 November 2023 15:15 , Ariana Baio

The Niagara Falls Police Department said the identity of the two people involved in the car crash at Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday was pending a positive identification.

Two individuals were killed after a car driving at high speeds, crashed and then exploded at the US-Canada border.

The investigation, which was handed over from the FBI Buffalo to the Niagara Falls PD, is currently looking to identify the individuals and notify next of kin. It is unclear if the police will release their names afterward.

Police said in a statement that “due to the complexity of the incident” the investigation “will take some time” before it is completed.

The incident has been determined to have no nexus to terrorism.

FBI Buffalo concludes investigation at Rainbow Bridge

Thursday 23 November 2023 14:50 , Ariana Baio

The Buffalo branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation concluded its investigation on Wednesday evening following a car explosion at Rainbow Bridge on the border of the US and Canada.

The investigation found “no explosive materials” and “no terrorism nexus” related to the incident, according to a statement from the FBI Buffalo.

As of now, investigators believe two individuals travelling in a vehicle at high speeds, crashed at the bridge, sending the car into a fiery explosion.

The Niagara Falls Police Department will take over the investigation from here.

New York City on ‘enhanced’ security today

Thursday 23 November 2023 14:20 , Ariana Baio

Ahead of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City will implement “enhanced security” around the city to ensure citizens and visitors safety, Mayor Eric Adams said on Wednesday evening.

In a brief press conference, Mr Adams said that while officials “don’t see any nexus between the incident [at Rainbow Bridge] and here in New York City” they would be upping security measures anyway.

The car that exploded at the Canada-New York border was determined to be an accident.

He added that the New York Police Department was monitoring the situation at the New York border and had been in communication with partners across all agencies involved.

Ontario Premier says Canadian law enforcement working with investigation

Thursday 23 November 2023 14:00 , Ariana Baio

Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, said in a statement posted to X on Wednesday that he was made aware of the situation at the Rainbow Bridge and said law enforcement would be working together to investigate it.

“I’ve been made aware of the situation unfolding on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Our provincial law enforcement is actively engaged in assessing the situation. They are working with local law enforcement and are providing support as required,” Mr Ford wrote. 

Though the crash occurred on the US side of the bridge that connects the two countries, due to its proximity to the border, Canadian law enforcement will likely be involved in assisting the investigation.

At this time it is unclear what caused the driver of the exploded vehicle to approach the border at high speeds.

Misinformation about Rainbow Bridge explosion circulates social media

Thursday 23 November 2023 13:40 , Ariana Baio

In the minutes after a car exploded on Rainbow Bridge on the border of New York and Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, reports emerged that a bomb caused the explosion leading to concerns of a terrorist attack.

Several right-leaning news outlets, including Fox News, sounded the alarm of the potential threat.

However, shortly after officials in the FBI confirmed that “no explosive materials and no terrorism nexus” were identified at the scene. Rather, the car carrying two passengers was travelling at high speeds, crashed, caught fire and then exploded.

But on social media, misinformation about the explosion continued to circulate into Thursday because some posts remained up with no updated information, including one from Texas Senator Ted Cruz

Investigations ongoing into Wednesday’s US-Canada border crossing explosion

Thursday 23 November 2023 13:00 , Mike Bedigan

Investigations are ongoing following a fiery explosion that occurred on the Rainbow Bridge US-Canada border crossing, near to Niagara Falls, on Wednesday.

The vehicle had been travelling towards the border from the US side.

Authorities said that two people, the occupants of the vehicle involved in the incident, had died in the explosion, but that their identities and any possible motive were unknown.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul told a press conference on Wednesday that the driver of the vehcle was a resident of western New York.

What we know about Niagara Falls explosion

Thursday 23 November 2023 12:20 , Mike Bedigan

Two people are dead following an explosion at the US-Canada border near to Niagra Falls.

While authorities have played down initial fears of a terrorist attack, the reason for the crash remains unclear.

Bevan Hurley takes a look at what we know so far:

What we know about Niagara Falls border crossing explosion

Governor stops short of declaring fiery Rainbow Bridge crash an ‘accident'

Thursday 23 November 2023 11:44 , Rachel Sharp

In Wednesday night’s press conference, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an “accident” just yet as the probe continues.

But, she said that the two people killed were local residents and that there was no evidence of terrorism at this time.

“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” she said.

“No indication based on online threats or anyone taking credit for this – at this time. It’s still unfolding. But I didn’t want to leave the public with any uncertainty.”

She added: “Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I won’t call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life - but at this time: no known terrorism activity.”

The FBI’s Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that “no terrorism nexus was identified”.

The investigation has since been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation, the bureau said.

‘Jaw-dropping’ footage of vehicle becoming airborne released by CBP

Thursday 23 November 2023 11:00 , Mike Bedigan

Video footage released by US Customs and Border Protection show a vehicle travelling at extremely high speed become airborne at the US-Canada border crossing.

On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the footage was “rather extraordinary” and that it would make “your jaw drop in disbelief”.

LATEST: New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to KISS concert’

Thursday 23 November 2023 10:41 , Rachel Sharp

The deadly fireball crash at the Rainbow Bridge is now believed to have involved a local New York man and his wife who had ill-fated plans to attend a KISS concert over the border in Canada on Wednesay night.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but are said to live in western New York, were travelling in their speeding Bentley when the car rammed into the crossing between the US and Canada and burst into flames.

The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and New York officials to briefly shutter all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.

Hours later, the FBI and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there was no signs that the incident was terror-related.

Instead, the investigation so far indicates that the couple were planning to cross the border to go to a KISS concert in Toronto that night.

Read the full story:

New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to KISS concert’