TORONTO (1010 WINS) -- The FBI is investigating a "vehicle explosion" at the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls, Canada with Niagara Falls, New York.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, during a press conference Wednesday afternoon about the explosion, said "At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack."
Hochul confirmed that a New Yorker from the Western region of the state was involved in the car explosion. And while she couldn't confirm the car's origin, she did note that it may have been near a casino prior to the explosion.
“It’s a Western New York resident who was most likely in that vicinity prior to the high speed, high rate of speed, extraordinarily high rate of speed that led to the crash into the median that sent the vehicle airborne,” Hochul said.
Hochul confirmed reports that a border agent who was working in the booth was hurt in the explosion.
She also confirmed that three out of four of the land crossings connecting Canada and the U.S., excluding the Rainbow Bridge, have reopened. The Lewiston, Peace and Whirlpool Bridges have continued service.
Because the vehicle was "basically incinerated" and pieces were scattered between 13 to 14 booths, Hochul said the Rainbow Bridge is to remain closed until officials can ensure the public is safe.
Despite reports, Hochul said that the Buffalo Niagra International Airport "never closed" and that there has been no stop to service.
Fox News, citing law enforcement sources, said the vehicle that combusted was filled with explosives. The vehicle was attempting to enter Canada from the U.S, according to officials.
In the immediate wake of the explosion, all four border crossings between the U.S. and Canada in Western New York were closed.
According to the Buffalo Niagra International Airport website, "The NFTA is increasing security system wide. Expect additional screening and security checks for cars and travelers at the Buffalo Airport." This notice was still up at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
CNN, citing a transportation official, reported that every car coming into the airport is being screened with bomb-detecting dogs.
Mayor Eric Adams released a statement regarding to incident around 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
“The NYPD and our team have been closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Buffalo after an explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, and we’ve already sent NYPD officers upstate to support efforts on the ground. The NYPD and our partners have already enhanced security, and the city is on heightened alert due to the upcoming holiday, so the public will see increased security at locations across New York City, including entry and egress points into and out of the city. We have also reached out to, and are in ongoing communication with, partners from across different levels of government to assist with this effort. Our number one priority is, and always will be, the safety of New Yorkers," Adams said.
“We will release additional information as it becomes available and will have more information to share this afternoon at our pre-arranged security briefing on the Thanksgiving Day Parade," Adams added.
According to a White House pool report, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and he and his team are following developments.
Multiple outlets, including CNN, reported that the vehicle's two male occupants were killed in the explosion. AP sources confirmed that the two occupants of the vehicle were declared dead on the scene.
CNN reported that the vehicle began accerlating close to 100 mph on its way to a secondary checkpoint, and then hit a barrier before exploding.
When the explosion was first reported, Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote on X, "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 Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority wrote on X that there will be additional security checks and screenings for travelers at Buffalo Airport.
The FBI Buffalo Field Office initially posted on X that it was "investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls. The FBI is coordinating with out 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."
This story is breaking.