A car exploded at the US-Canada border. According to media reports, two people died. Official sources have not yet provided any information on casualties or other damage. The FBI is investigating the incident. Photos showed rubble and a heavy police presence at the border crossing.
The car is said to have exploded on the US side on Wednesday afternoon (local time). The FBI and New York State Police have not yet provided any information about how the explosion occurred. The incident occurred in close proximity to the Rainbow Bridge. This connects the USA and Canada and is within walking distance of the famous Niagara Falls. Some US media reported that the car approached the border crossing at high speed and was traveling in the wrong lane.
The state police are working together with the FBI’s terrorism unit to monitor all access routes to New York state, Governor Kathy Hochul said on X. The transport authority NFTA said on the platform that increased security measures had been introduced due to the incident. Cars and travelers at the airport in Buffalo would have to expect additional checks.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern. “We are taking this extremely seriously,” said Trudeau in Ottawa. They are in close contact with the US authorities. Four border crossings have been closed. The White House said US President Joe Biden had been informed of the incident. He and his team followed developments closely.
The Thanksgiving holiday in the USA is on Thursday, when family and friends traditionally meet. The day before has some of the busiest traffic of the entire year. A Jewish community center for the Buffalo region share with, to remain closed until over the holiday out of caution. Security authorities recommended this step. Nevertheless, there are no credible threats against the Jewish community at this moment.