Two killed in explosion at US-Canada border

A vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of a US-Canada bridge in Niagara Falls, leaving two people dead and prompting the closing of four border crossings in the area.

A vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of the US-Canada bridge in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, November 23, leaving two people dead and prompting the closing of four border crossings in the area, authorities said. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it has raised concerns on both sides of the border.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden Respond

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said officials were taking the incident "extraordinarily seriously," and the White House said President Joe Biden was closely following developments. The two deceased people were in the vehicle, a law enforcement official told AP. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Explosion and Investigation

The blast happened on the US side of the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the two countries across the Niagara River. Photos and videos taken by bystanders and posted on social media showed thick smoke, flames on the pavement, and a security booth that had been singed. Videos showed that the fire was in a US Customs and Border Protection area just east of the main vehicle checkpoint. The agency had no immediate comment.

The US FBIs field office in Buffalo is investigating the blast, along with other agencies. New York Governor Kathy Hochul was traveling to Buffalo from the state capital, Albany.

Border Crossings Closed and Security Increased

The bridge and three others between western New York and Ontario were quickly closed as a precaution, and the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport began security checks on all cars and told passengers to expect additional screenings. Trudeau said additional measures were being contemplated and activated at border crossings across Canada. And in Toronto, about 100 miles (about 160 kilometers) away, police said they were increasing patrols as a precaution.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses described seeing a vehicle speeding toward the crossing from the US side when it swerved to avoid another car, crashed into a fence, and exploded. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission called the incident a "serious car crash."

Impact on Tourism

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission reported that all four of its crossings were closed. About 6,000 vehicles cross the Rainbow Bridge each day, according to the US Federal Highway Administrations National Bridge Inventory. About 5% is truck traffic, according to the federal data. The bridge, constructed in 1941, is just over 1,440 feet (439 meters) long and has a main span constructed of steel.

The explosion and subsequent investigation are likely to have a significant impact on tourism in the area, as the Rainbow Bridge is a popular tourist destination.