Car explosion on U.S.-Canada border bridge kills two people
A car exploded Wednesday on the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the U.S. and Canada over Niagara Falls, prompting authorities in both countries to close the four border crossings between western U.S. state New York and the Canadian province of Ontario.
Law enforcement blocks access to the Rainbow Bridge on the U.S. side of the border on Nov. 22, 2023. AP - Carolyn Thompson
By: RFI Follow
Advertising
Read More
According to the American television channel Fox News, citing unidentified sources, two people who were in the vehicle were killed in the explosion and a customs inspector was injured. CNN also reported the deaths of two people, which Reuters could not immediately confirm.
BREAKING: An explosion has been reported at the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls as a vehicle entered into the United States from Canada.
The news comes just hours after CBS News' Catherine Herridge warned of "an increasing terrorist threat to New York State tied to Israel-Hamas... pic.twitter.com/dr5eKf4DnL
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 22, 2023
Sources familiar with the incident told Reuters that initial evidence suggested to U.S. authorities that it was not a malicious act, but an irresponsible attitude on the part of the driver, which caused an accident and the burning of his car.
Among the busiest bridges in the world
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the FBI's counterterrorism division was mobilized, while the circumstances of the incident remained unclear. The Niagara Gazette, citing security sources, said the vehicle accelerated near checkpoints and went through a fence separating the arrival and exit lanes, where it exploded.
Bridges connecting New York state and southern Ontario, which are among the busiest in the world, have been closed indefinitely as a safety precaution, Hochul's office said. Security measures have been tightened at airports and train stations in the region, they added.
(With Agencies)
NewsletterGet all the latest international news straight to your inbox
Subscribe now
Keep up to date with all the latest international news by downloading the RFI app
Share:
Most read
1
21/11/2023
After Javier Milei's victory in the presidential election, Argentina will no longer join the BRICS
2
20/11/2023
Gabon: tensions over the obligation for civil servants and pensioners to open a bank account
3
20/11/2023