Two Killed in Car Explosion on US-Canada Border; "No Indication of Terrorism"

   Two individuals were killed in a car explosion at the "Rainbow Bridge" border crossing between the United States and Canada near Niagara Falls in what authorities termed a "horrific incident," announcing that there was "no indication of a link to terrorism." New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, at a press conference held at the explosion site, stated that "at the moment, there is no indication that this was a terrorist act." The White House confirmed informing President Joe Biden about the explosion.

In a "horrific incident," two people were killed as a result of a car explosion at a border bridge between Canada and the United States near Niagara Falls. US authorities immediately announced that there was "no indication of a link to terrorism."

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke in Parliament about a "highly serious situation" without specifying whether initial leads point to a "terrorist" act or simply an incident.

Trudeau addressed the House of Commons, stating, "It's clearly an extremely serious situation near Niagara Falls. A car exploded at the Rainbow Bridge crossing," adding, "There are still many questions, and we are trying to get answers as quickly as possible."

However, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul stated at a press conference held at the explosion site that "there is no indication at this time that this was a terrorist act." She added, "It was a horrific, devastating explosion... but there is currently no known terrorist connection."

The White House confirmed informing President Joe Biden about the explosion.

The American city of Niagara Falls announced on its Facebook page that the Rainbow Bridge connecting the United States and Canada is closed "until further notice."

A witness speaking to CBS said they saw a car "speeding over 100 miles per hour (160 km)" before "flying" and crashing into a barrier, exploding, noting that they later saw a "fireball" on the bridge.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said, "Every time infrastructure as important to Canada and the United States as a border crossing, in events of this violent nature, is a concern for both governments."

However, he refused to "speculate on the source" of the explosion that resulted in two deaths, as confirmed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

On the American side, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was the first to announce via the "X" platform "an investigation into a car explosion on the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the United States and Canada near Niagara Falls."

The federal police office in Buffalo, New York, close to Niagara Falls, sent specialized investigators in "counter-terrorism."

New York's governor stated via "X" that the state police "are working with the FBI's counter-terrorism unit to monitor all entry points" into New York State.

On the American side, Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, hundreds of kilometers south, announced that "security will be strengthened" in the city on the eve of a long weekend holiday for Thanksgiving.