Rainbow Bridge Incident – No evidence of terror attack

In the aftermath of the tumultuous events on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge, linking the U.S. to Canada at Niagara Falls, New York, Governor Kathy Hochul asserted that there exists no substantiation supporting the notion that the incident, which involved a vehicular crash and subsequent explosion on a Wednesday, was a deliberate act of terrorism.

Addressing the media in a press conference, she emphasized that there was no tangible sign of explosive materials discovered at the scene. The unfolding drama earlier in the day witnessed a vehicle hurtling towards a U.S. border checkpoint on the bridge, colliding with a booth, erupting into flames, and astonishingly ascending into the air, as recounted by Governor Hochul.

“One had to contemplate whether this spectacle was the handiwork of artificial intelligence, given the surreal altitude the vehicle achieved before the dramatic crash, explosion, and ensuing conflagration,” she remarked.

The fatalities of the incident comprised both the driver and passenger, as confirmed by the governor, with one of the victims identified as a resident of western New York. An attendant stationed at a booth suffered injuries during the episode and received medical attention at a hospital, ultimately being discharged later in the day, as relayed by Governor Hochul.

Characterizing the locale as highly congested, Hochul remarked, “The potential for cataclysm in such a densely populated area was palpable.” Elaborating on the complexity of the investigation, she noted the extensive destruction of the vehicle, leaving remnants strewn across 13 booths.

“There exists an absence of any identifiable license plate,” she disclosed. Investigators, discerning a suitcase or briefcase at the scene, treated it with caution, entertaining the possibility of it being an explosive device. The bomb squad assumed control of the package as a precautionary measure.

In the wake of the incident, the Rainbow Bridge remained shuttered for the day, according to Governor Hochul. Ron Rienas, the general manager of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, communicated that all four bridges connecting Canada and the U.S. over the Niagara River were temporarily closed, exercising an abundance of caution as the Rainbow Bridge investigation unfolded.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport, responding to the situation, announced heightened security measures, including vehicle inspections and additional screenings for travelers. President Joe Biden, apprised of the explosion, closely monitored developments, as confirmed by the White House. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed the parliament of ongoing inquiries into the incident.

“We approach this matter with utmost seriousness,” declared Trudeau. “Swift pursuit of answers is our priority. Contemplation and activation of supplementary measures are underway at all border crossings nationwide.”

All images @sal.alwishah/Instagram