Federal law enforcement is investigating what it is describing as a “vehicle explosion” at a border crossing between New York and Canada.
In a statement on Wednesday, the FBI said, “The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the US and Canada in Niagara Falls.”
“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.”
#FBI Buffalo statement on investigation at the Rainbow Bridge: pic.twitter.com/jRaGLL8sU8
— FBI Buffalo (@FBIBuffalo) November 22, 2023
Law enforcement said the explosion happened at a checkpoint as the vehicle was attempting to enter the U.S.
At least one person, a 27-year-old male, was injured and taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) posted on X, “I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist.”
I’ve been briefed on the incident on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and we are closely monitoring the situation. State agencies are on site and ready to assist.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023
She added the New York State Police is working with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force to “monitor all points of entry to New York.”
WKBW reporter Kristen Mirand tweeted a picture of the scene and wrote, “The Rainbow Bridge is closed after there was an incident this morning involving a vehicle coming into the U.S Federal authorities are investigating. The bridge will stay closed until further notice.”
The Rainbow Bridge is closed after there was an incident this morning involving a vehicle coming into the U.S
— Kristen Mirand WKBW (@kristen_mirand) November 22, 2023
Federal authorities are investigating.
The bridge will stay closed until further notice. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/h8NVyhxHMi
Meanwhile, video from the area appeared to show smoke billowing from the scene of the explosion.
An explosion has been reported in Niagara Falls at the Rainbow Bridge.
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 22, 2023
pic.twitter.com/miAPJMRu5C
The Rainbow Bridge connects the U.S. and Canada. Fox News reported the Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, and Whirlpool Bridge are also closed amid the investigation.
