Two occupants of a vehicle that exploded at a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Niagara Falls on Wednesday are dead.
Witnesses reported seeing a speeding car and then a plume of smoke when a vehicle crashed and exploded on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge checkpoint.
Law enforcement officials shut down all four border crossings between Canada and the U.S., as well as the QEW at Central Avenue in Fort Erie and Highway 405 at the QEW.
In an update around 5 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police say they are in the process of reopening the Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and Whirlpool Bridge checkpoints.
However, the Rainbow Bridge border crossing remains closed.
The Office of the Mayor in Niagara Falls, N.Y., tells CHCH News that the closure will remain in effect “until further notice” as police and the FBI Buffalo Field Office investigate the explosion of a vehicle that was travelling into the U.S. from Canada.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said there was “no indication of a terrorist attack” in the vehicle crash and explosion.
“Based on what we know at this moment, there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash,” she said.
Witness video circulating online shows thick smoke coming from the scene.
Other photos shared on social media show that the incident caused significant damage.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons that Canada is working closely with the U.S. and taking the matter “extremely seriously.” He then excused himself to attend a briefing.
“I’ve been briefed by the NSIA and the minister of public safety. CBSA, RCMP and Transport Canada are all fully engaged and providing the necessary support,” Trudeau said.
Niagara Regional Police say they are also monitoring the incident and that there is no known threat on the Canadian side of the border.
Peel Regional Police have deployed additional officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport as well.
“Our provincial law enforcement is actively engaged in assessing the situation,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement.
“They are working with local law enforcement and are providing support as required.”
Lots of families were making their way to cross the Canada-U.S. border on Wednesday due to the American Thanksgiving on Thursday.
There was lots of confusion about how long they would be waiting. Many of them also expressed fear about what caused the explosion.
This is a developing news story. More to come.
