A car explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing Wednesday between the U.S. and Canada is being investigated as an attempted terrorist attack, according to a report.
Rainbow Bridge forms the connection between Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Canada. The explosion occurred when the car crashed into a checkpoint structure, according to NBC News. Two people in the car died and one border official was injured.
One other person was injured and taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The 27-year-old male had back pain and cuts, neither severe injuries.
The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it collided with the structure, NBC reported. Law enforcement said a preliminary search did not reveal a secondary explosive or device, per NBC.
Fox News confirmed the FBI is looking into the explosion for terrorist ties.
“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 said in a statement published by Fox. “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.”
While Fox News reported that the vehicle was traveling northward from the U.S. to Canada, NBC News reported that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle was headed into the U.S.
All international bridges in the western New York area, including Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, and Whirlpool Bridge, are closed, and all government buildings have been evacuated, according to reports.
