A harrowing incident unfolded at a U.S.-Canada border crossing near Niagara Falls, as a speeding vehicle erupted in a powerful explosion, claiming the lives of two individuals.
The devastating event prompted the closure of four border checkpoints, sparking international concern.
The casualties were discovered inside the vehicle that was engulfed in the explosion, as confirmed by a law enforcement official to the Associated Press.
The FBI's Buffalo field office is leading the investigation into the catastrophic blast that occurred at the Rainbow Bridge, a significant link between the two nations traversing the Niagara River.
"Our teams are coordinating closely with various law enforcement agencies in this ongoing investigation," stated the FBI in a posted announcement. "Given the evolving nature of the situation, we are limited in the information we can provide at this time."
Witness Mike Guenther recounted to WGRZ-TV that the vehicle, racing toward the border from the U.S. side, swerved to avoid another car, collided with a fence, and then exploded dramatically.
"He suddenly went up in the air, and then it was a ball of fire, like 30 or 40 feet high," Guenther described in the interview. "I never witnessed anything like it."
President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland have been briefed on the explosion, with the White House closely monitoring the situation.
In response to the incident, the US Federal Aviation Administration mandated the suspension of international flights arriving and departing from Buffalo Niagara International Airport, effective 3:07 p.m. Wednesday, lasting until Friday afternoon, reported CNN.
The Canada Border Services Agency issued a statement acknowledging the unfolding situation at the Rainbow Bridge and confirmed coordination with U.S. counterparts while deferring to the FBI's leadership in the ongoing investigation.
New York Assemblymember Michael Novakhov indicated on Facebook that all border crossings between the U.S. and Canada were shut down, and local government offices in the vicinity were evacuated.
Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed being briefed on the incident and assured close monitoring of the situation.
The event resulted in images and videos surfacing on social media, displaying a security booth damaged by fire.
Aaron Ferguson, a public information officer for the city of Niagara Falls, indicated a lack of extensive information, mentioning, "There was a vehicle trying to enter the US, leading to the closure of both sides of the bridge."
Heightened security measures were implemented by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority at airports, with increased security checks and screenings following the incident, urging travelers to anticipate longer wait times alongside holiday travel.
The Rainbow Bridge, an iconic arch bridge linking Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, serves as a crucial passage for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists between the two nations. Photo by Mhsheikholeslami, Wikimedia commons.