The Rainbow Bridge that connects the United States and Canada at Niagara Falls is closed after an explosion occurred on the U.S. side of the border crossing.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) said on X that she is monitoring the situation closely and asked the New York State Police to work with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to “monitor all points of entry to New York.”
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Initial reports have stated that the explosion involved a vehicle that was crossing the bridge into the U.S. Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said the vehicle was crossing into the U.S. from Canada via ABC News.
The FBI in Buffalo, New York, said in a statement that agents are investigating a “vehicle explosion” and working with local, state, and federal law enforcement.
“As this situation is very fluid, that’s all we can say at this time,” the FBI said.
The Eric County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad is responding to the vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge, per a video captured by local outlet WKBW. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosions (ATF) New York is responding to the scene, as well.
Ron Rienas, general manager of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, told ABC News that all four U.S.-Canada bridges that go over the Niagara River have been closed while the investigation continues. A large police presence has gathered in the area, according to several videos.
In response to the vehicle explosion, the Niagara Falls International Airport is increasing security at the airport and rail system. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is open but K-9 units will be checking vehicles coming through the airport.
“I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement & emergency responders & will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available,” Hochul said.
Photos shared with local outlet WGRZ-TV by a witness show the remains of what appears to be a vehicle, smoke, and flames.
#NEW: These are photos from the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls that were shared with 2 On Your Side by a viewer.
They show what appears to be the remnants of a car, smoke, and flames.
The FBI has confirmed it is investigating a vehicle explosion at the border crossing. @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/Xfdsq0GuJ0
— Robert Hackford (@Robert_Hackford) November 22, 2023
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This is a developing story and will be updated.
