A tragic accident on the bridge connecting New York and Ontario ended in flames on Wednesday, claiming the lives of two individuals in the vehicle and prompting concerns that led to the closure of four U.S.-Canadian border crossings.
Initial fears of a potential act of terrorism were dispelled by federal and state authorities after hours of investigation, though details surrounding the crash on the Rainbow Bridge remained uncertain. Officials sought to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured the public, stating, “At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack.” Her sentiments were echoed by federal and local law enforcement officials in a subsequent news conference.
The FBI confirmed the conclusion of its investigation, stating, “A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified.”
Security footage released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection depicted the car speeding from the U.S. side, colliding with an object, and then hurtling into the air before crashing and erupting in flames.
Tragically, both the driver and a passenger lost their lives, while a Customs and Border Protection officer sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital after treatment.
Identification of the deceased was not disclosed immediately, but reports indicated that the driver, a 56-year-old man travelling to a concert by the band KISS in a Bentley, was among those killed.
The incident occurred amid global security concerns amid conflicts in the Middle East and during the peak of U.S. holiday travel just ahead of Thanksgiving celebrations.
Heightened security measures led to the temporary closure of the Rainbow Bridge and other crossings, while security was intensified at various transit points and public locations.
The investigation persisted, keeping the Rainbow Crossing closed as officials evaluated its safety. Witnesses described the car’s high-speed collision with a fence, its airborne trajectory, and the subsequent fiery crash as a horrific sight, emphasising the intensity of the incident.
