Not Terrorism, Couple Killed in Explosion Near Canada-US Border
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Alaina
- . November 23, 2023
- . Update: November 23, 2023 2:51 pm
A couple was killed on the US side of the Rainbow Bridge shared with Canada when their car crashed and exploded. The Bentley was traveling at high speed, from Canada to the US, when it hit a curb and a guardrail. The impact sent the vehicle airborne, and crashed into a median and struck a border crossing booth. This incinerated the vehicle.
The incident happened on one of the busiest travel days in the United States as thousands of people are traveling to mark Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones. Kathy Hochul, New York Governor, said there’s no link to terrorism activity in the tragic accident. “We’re going to ensure the public is safe before they go back on the Rainbow Bridge.”
FBI Buffalo took to X, formerly Twitter, to confirm that it has concluded investigations at the scene of the incident and there are no explosive materials. Investigators found no connections to terrorism. It said investigation is now in the hands of the Niagara Falls Police Department in New York.
US on High Alert
The US is on high alert given that its holiday period and Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving. An official said the White House is closely monitoring the developments, with the Department of Homeland Security in touch with its Canadian counterparts.
So far, investigators have ruled out a terrorist attack as no explosives were found at the scene. Alejandro Mayorkas, US Sec. of Homeland Security, posted on X that the incident did not appear to be terror-related. “We will continue to closely coordinate with state and local officials.”
Earlier during investigations, some kind of a suitcase or briefcase was found at the scene and was treated as a possible explosive device as a precaution. A bomb squad had also been called to handle the package.
The NYPD has enhanced security, with increased personnel at entry and egress points into and out of the city.
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Canada Looks into the Incident
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the parliament that they are taking the incident seriously. “We are following up to tray and get as many answers as rapidly as possible. Additional measures are being contemplated and activated at all border crossings across the country.”
Both sides are closely looking at the incident because the Rainbow Bridge is a critical infrastructure. It connects the tourism sectors of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. There are also 16 car inspection lanes into the US and 15 into Canada.
