Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) - A vehicle explosion on Wednesday morning at the Rainbow Bridge has reportedly killed two people, according to a report from CBS News. The vehicle exploded at a checkpoint on the American side of the U.S.-Canada border crossing.
The incident quickly prompted the closure of all four Western New York border crossings in both directions, as law enforcement agencies conduct their investigations.
Photos and video taken by bystanders and posted on social media showed thick smoke, flames on the pavement and a security booth that had been singed by flames.
Officials in Niagara County released this joint statement regarding the ongoing incident at the Rainbow Bridge:
"Niagara County officials are at the Rainbow Bridge, along with multiple state and local agencies, with appropriate resources to support the investigation of today’s car explosion. This is a federal incident and the investigation will be led by the federal government. As such, we will not be making any additional public comments, as we will defer to lead investigators so there is a single point of communication to the public and media."
The FBI office in Buffalo says it is coordinating with local, state and federal investigators to look into the incident. Initial reports said a car struck a building and caught fire along the Rainbow Bridge crossing.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul released this statement in light of the developments at the Rainbow Bridge:
“I have been briefed on the situation that occurred at the Rainbow Bridge in Buffalo. At my direction, the New York State Police 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 and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available.”
WBEN has learned the Governor is en route to Western New York, and is expected to be briefed on the developing situation in Niagara Falls.
"My office is currently monitoring the incident that occurred this morning at the Rainbow Bridge Border Crossing, and I have been in communication with Gov. Hochul’s office, Congressman [Brian] Higgins’ office, our Niagara County Sheriff and other local electeds," said State Sen. Rob Ortt in a statement. "At this moment, our thoughts and concerns are with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, Canadian Border Service agents, members of law enforcement, and their families."
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport released a statement on Wednesday, saying Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) officials is increasing security screenings at the airport. This includes cars coming into the airport will undergo security checks, while travelers will see some additional screening on, arguably, the busiest travel day of the year.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says the Erie County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist.
Poloncarz also says based on an abundance of caution and at Sheriff John Garcia's recommendation, Erie County buildings including the Rath Building, Old County Hall and Family Court are closing early, effective now.
Stay tuned for the latest with this developing story...