New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that there is as yet “no indication of terrorist activity” involved in the recent explosion that killed two people at the US-Canada border checkpoint.
Explosion at the Border
Two people have died in a vehicle explosion that occurred on a checkpoint bridge at the US-Canada border. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has assured the public that there are no signs that the explosion was the result of terrorist activity.
Rainbow Bridge
The explosion occurred in a car on the US side of a bridge near Niagara Falls, known as the Rainbow Bridge. It is one of four border crossing checkpoints that were closed after the vehicle exploded.
No Signs of Terrorism
Hochul informed the public that after a preliminary investigation, there was “no indication of a terrorist attack.” “Based on what we know at this moment there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash,” she said.
The World Is Watching
She acknowledged that the explosion had happened in a sensitive area at a “high-stress” time, as public tensions have already been running high due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “The world is watching to find out what’s happening here,” she said.
Senator Schumer Chimes In
Senior New York senator Chuck Schumer took to social media to share the news shortly after the incident. “I was just briefed by the FBI on the incident at Rainbow Bridge,” he said. “Initial reports indicate the two people killed were in the car but nothing’s been determined on their identity or motive. They continue to investigate – law enforcement remains on heightened alert over Thanksgiving.”
Investigations Ongoing
According to Hochul, the vehicle involved was “basically incinerated,” with only the engine remaining. “The pieces are scattered over 13, 14 booths, so it is a large scene,” she said. She then confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
Fire and Smoke
Media outlets also showed photographs of a checkpoint-operated booth that the ensuing flames from the explosion had slightly burned. Witnesses described “a ball of fire” and “plumes of black smoke” at the scene.
A Shocking Sight
“I never saw anything like it,” said Mike Guenther, an onlooker who spoke to WGRZ-TV. He described a speeding vehicle that veered toward the crossing before exploding into a fence. “All of a sudden he went up in the air and then it was a ball of fire like 30 or 40ft high,” Guenther said.
Canada Responds
The explosion happened on the other side of the border during a question period in Canada’s House of Commons. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau left the room to be briefed and to make a public statement.
Trudeau’s Statement
“This is obviously a very serious situation in Niagara Falls,” he said. “We are taking this extraordinarily seriously.”
Law Enforcement Actively Engaged
The premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, said, “Our provincial law enforcement is actively engaged in assessing the situation. They are working with local law enforcement and are providing support as required.” Toronto police also increased patrols in the city, out of “an abundance of caution.”
Customs, FBI, and White House Join Forces
US Customs and Border Protection are investigating the matter alongside the FBI and White House. The White House has stated that it is “closely monitoring the situation at the US-Canada border crossing.”
Three Bridges Reopened
Since the explosion, three of the four closed checkpoints – namely the Lewiston, Whirlpool, and Peace Bridge – have been reopened to facilitate crossings.
Ensuring Public Safety
For now, Rainbow Bridge will remain closed while investigations continue. “We’re going to make sure the public is safe before they go back on the Rainbow Bridge,” Hochul confirmed.
6000 Vehicles Per Day
According to the US Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory, the Rainbow Bridge is a high-traffic area, with approximately 6,000 vehicles crossing it daily.
The post Rainbow Bridge Explosion – Preliminary Investigation Shows No Terrorist Activity first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
