Update as of 5:30 p.m.
The governor of New York state says there is no indication that today’s explosion near the Rainbow Bridge between Canada and the U-S was a terrorist attack.
A vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of the bridge — leaving two people dead and prompting the closing of all four border crossings in the area.
Only the Rainbow Bridge remains closed at this time.
Bridges connecting the United States and Canada in Niagara Falls have been closed following an explosion on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.
The FBI Buffalo Field Office has taken charge of the investigation and is collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On the social media platform X, the FBI Buffalo account said: “The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls. The FBI is coordinating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that’s all we can say at this time.”
Ontario Provincial Police Highway Safety Division Media Relations Officer Sgt. Kerry Schmidt spoke about the closure on X.
Currently, the Rainbow Bridge is closed in both directions in Niagara Falls, along with the Fort Erie Peace Bridge, Highway 405, and the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge. Travellers are strongly advised to delay their departure, as all crossing points in the Niagara Region are closed, causing heavy delays in the area.
Several other border crossings will also experience delays due to heightened security at this time, so if you’re thinking about making a trip South, consider rescheduling.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
