Gov. Kathy Hochul said there is no evidence that the crash and explosion Wednesday on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. to Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, was a terrorist attack.
She also said there was no indication any explosives were found at the scene.
Hochul made the comments at a news briefing Wednesday night.
Earlier on Wednesday, a vehicle sped toward a border checkpoint at the U.S. side of the bridge, hit a booth, exploded and went airborne, Hochul said.
“You actually had to look at it and say, ‘Was this generated by A.I.?’ because it was so surreal to see how high in the air this vehicle went and then the crash and explosion and the fire,” she said.
The driver and passenger were killed, according to the governor. One of the victims was a western New York resident, Hochul said.
One booth agent was injured in the incident and was treated for their injuries at a hospital. They were released later in the day Hochul said.
“It was a very congested area,” Hochul said, adding “It could have been very cataclysmic.”
Hochul said that the investigation would take a long time as much of the vehicle was destroyed and debris was scattered over 13 booths.
“There is not a license plate,” she said.
FILE – The Rainbow Bridge spans the Niagara River and connects Niagara Falls, N.Y., left, to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Investigators found some sort of suitcase or briefcase on the scene, but determined “is no indication of a threat related to this incident,” sources told ABC News.
The Rainbow Bridge has remained closed for the day in the wake of the incident, according to Hochul.
The Peace, Queenston-Lewiston and Whirlpool-Rapids Bridges have reopened to traffic in both directions, Canadian authorities told ABC News.
All four Canada-U.S. bridges over the Niagara River were previously closed out of an abundance of caution while the Rainbow Bridge investigation continued.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport said it’ll be increasing security, with car checks and additional screenings for travelers. International flights have resumed at the airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the explosion and is closely following developments, according to the White House. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed the country’s parliament they were looking into the incident.
“We are taking this extraordinarily seriously,” Trudeau said. “We are following up to try and get as many answers as rapidly as possible. … Additional measures are being contemplated and activated at all border crossings across the country.”
In Toronto, the police department said it’s increasing patrols out of an abundance of caution.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams said he’s also monitoring the incident.
Adams said the NYPD has already enhanced security for Thanksgiving “so the public will see increased security at locations across New York City, including entry and egress points into and out of the city.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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Source: abc7
