A car explosion at the Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge border crossing between Canada and the US has resulted in the death of two people and left a Border Patrol officer injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday and led to a tightened security presence throughout the Niagara-Buffalo region. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the incident did not appear to be related to terrorism. The car, described as a large sedan, crashed into a secondary-inspection building, causing a towering fireball and a plume of smoke that could be seen for kilometers. Governor Hochul reassured the public that there was no sign of terrorist involvement based on the preliminary investigation. The driver of the car was from western New York and the vehicle is suspected to have originated near the Seneca Casino. The exact cause of the crash is still unknown, but Governor Hochul urged the public to remain calm during this time. The explosion resulted in the closure of three other crossings in the area, but they have since reopened. Only the Rainbow Bridge crossing and a railway line remain closed as investigations continue. The bridge closings left thousands of travelers stranded on both sides of the border, causing disruptions during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The incident has shaken the community, which heavily relies on cross-border travel and commerce. The authorities have heightened security measures in the region, with increased screenings at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the closure of some public buildings in Buffalo. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden have been closely monitoring the situation. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion.
