2 Killed in Rainbow Bridge Explosion

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Wednesday, 22 November 2023 14:53

By Geoff Waterfield

Rainbow Bridge now open: Governor

A reminder from Niagara Regional police to make sure you are getting information from "official source information", and not sites offering speculation.

Update 5am, Friday:

Governor Kathy Hochul says the Rainbow Bridge is now open.

Update 7am, Thursday:

New York Governor Kathy Hochul reassuring that yesterday's fiery car crash at the Rainbow bridge was not terrorism. In fact, she began her update saying she had just left the scene of a horrific accident. Reports indicate it was a married couple, who had just left a local casino, and were planning to cross into Canada. The driver was from New York.

The Rainbow bridge will stay closed for a few days, while investigators work to find out what happened with that car, which was completely destroyed.

Update 5:30pm:

Various media sources indicate all bridges between Canada and the US, except for the Rainbow Bridge, are now open. That also includes Highway 405, which provincial police closed as well. In speaking to the media earlier, New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she's been told by law enforcement there's no indication this was a terrorist attempt, but actually done by two local people. She adds the Rainbow bridge will be closed for a few days, and there's no apparent motive yet.

Update 3pm:

Accredited American media sources indicate 2 people inside a car that exploded on the American side of the Rainbow bridge are dead. They say law enforcement officials indicate this was an attempted terrorist attack, as they drove the car, filled with explosives, toward the bridge from the American side. One border guard has been injured, but media sources indicate his injuries are not serious.

Witnesses have told local media the car ended up airborne before exploding at customs.

Original Story:

Traffic delays on both sides of the Canada/US border after a vehicle explosion on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls late this morning.

OPP sergeant Kerry Schmidt says law enforcement on both sides of the border have closed the bridge, and the rest of the border too.

"As a result, we also have the Fort Erie Peace Bridge closed at the end of the QEW, closed to all crossings coming to or leaving Canada. We're also in the process of closing Highway 405, and we're in the process of closing the Queenston-Lewiston bridge."

Pictures on social media show explosion remnants in a customs booth.

Premier Doug Ford and Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates tweeting they are monitoring this, as well as New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Sergeant Schmidt, along with Niagara Regional police, advise to expect travel delays. "You can expect heavy delays in the Niagara area. If you are planning on crossing the border, please delay travel, until we know those highways and closures have re-opened. I will update you as I get information."

There is no official word yet on the cause, or if it's terrorism, or if any injuries or fatalities, as the FBI leads this investigation, alongside Canadian law enforcement. Niagara Regional police add there is no known threat on the Canadian side.

This situation may also impact school bus service in the Niagara region this afternoon. The Catholic board advising us that Niagara Student Transportation Services says some bus routes may experience delays, as NRP and OPP closely watch the situation through the region.

If you were expecting arrivals or departures from Buffalo Airport, you're also advised to prepare for delays.