The FBI’s Buffalo field office is investigating an explosion at the Niagara Falls border crossing between the U.S. and Canada.
In a brief statement, the FBI said a “vehicle explosion” occurred at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing.
“As this situation is very fluid, that’s all we can say at this time,” the FBI said.
Four senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter told NBC News a vehicle crashed into the checkpoint structure at the bridge at a very high rate of speed. The vehicle hit the structure, caught on fire, and exploded, the sources said. Two people inside the vehicle died. An initial search did NOT find a secondary explosive or device.
The Rainbow Bridge and all crossings in western New York between the U.S. and Canada were closed as a precaution, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was briefed on the situation.
“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,” Hochul said in a statement. She added she is traveling to Buffalo to get an update and meet with law enforcement.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports are fully operational but it will be increasing security systemwide and travelers can expect additional screenings.
A senior White House official told NBC News is closely monitoring the situation in Niagara Falls.
Authorities are trying to determine whether or not the incident was intentional.
No additional information was immediately available.
from NBC Chicago https://ift.tt/hQ0ZTml
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