Niagara Falls explosion vid shows huge fireball as car explodes at border
A large bang followed by a giant ball of fire and plumes of thick smoke were caught on video as a car exploded at the Niagara Falls border crossing today.
Videos show a terrifying scene at the US-Canada border as a car that exploded near the crossing grew into a giant fireball, releasing black smoke all over the area.
The FBI's terror squad had launched an investigation and police were searching all cars heading to the airport for explosives but, while sources initially described the explosion as an attempted terror attack, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has tonight told a press conference there was "no indication of a terrorist attack". She added: "Based on what we know at this moment....there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash."
The vehicle was trying to drive towards the border officer building and was heading from the US into Canada, it is reported. All government buildings have been evacuated.
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Fox News reports a 27-year-old man has been taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, including cuts and pain in his back. however no other agencies can confirm this yet.
The Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition originally posted on social media that "a crash reported at 11.51 am had closed the bridge."
A car turned into a massive fireball, coating the US/Canada border in a layer of thick smoke (@KatiePurkiss /Twitter)The horror scene comes just to days after an increased risk of a terror attack hitting New York City was highlighted in a new intelligence report.
The City of Niagara Falls said: "The Rainbow Bridge is closed until further notice. There has been an incident involving a vehicle coming into the United States. Federal authorities are currently investigating the situation."
A car exploded near the Rainbow Bridge, a border spot between the US and Canada (@KatiePurkiss /Twitter)New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was “closely monitoring the situation”. In an updated tweet she said: "At my direction, @nyspolice is actively working with the @FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to monitor all points of entry to New York.I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement & emergency responders & will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available."
The FBI Buffalo Field Office confirmed it is investigating the incident and working with other law enforcement partners. It said in a statement: "The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls."
The FBI has arrived at the Rainbow Bridge to investigate a car explosion and possible bomb threat (@KatiePurkiss /Twitter)"The FBI is coordinating with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that's all we can say at this time."
The Rainbow Bridge is one of four border crossings connecting Ontario to western New York. The others are Lewiston, Whirlpool and Peace Bridge. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission reports all four crossings are closed.
Videos from this area are now hitting social media, showing how a car exploded on the US/Canada border (WKBW)"The name 'Rainbow Bridge' was chosen as a symbol of the friendship between Canada and the United States. The Rainbow Bridge was completed in the Fall of 1941 and celebrated its official opening on November 1. The Bridge has a span of 1450 feet and is 202 feet above the water level," says The Exchange, a website set up by the Niagara Falls City Council.
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