No sign of terrorism in blast that killed 2 at U.S.-Canada border: U.S. authorities

There is no indication of terrorist involvement in a vehicle explosion that claimed two lives at a border crossing between the United States and Canada in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, said New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

The incident at Rainbow Bridge, which also injured one border officer, triggered an investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) local office and prompted the closing of four cross-border bridges for hours.

The FBI said in a statement that it had concluded its investigation. "A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified," the FBI said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While the U.S. authorities ruled out terrorist involvement, Canadian media reported that Canadian officials are currently operating under the assumption the incident is terror-related and are trying to determine if the incident was isolated.

A local individual from West New York is behind the crash, said Hochul, noting it is still not known whether the crash was intentional or not.

Authorities did not identify the two people killed. CNN reported the driver was a 56-year-old man who was traveling in a Bentley automobile with his wife to attend a concert. 

The crash unfolded at a time of peak U.S. holiday travel on the eve of Thanksgiving celebrations. The Rainbow Bridge and three other bridges between western New York and Ontario were quickly closed as a precaution, though the other three later reopened. 

Other international crossings remained open on "heightened alert status," the governor said.

Also on Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had been briefed by the national security and intelligence advisor on the situation.

"We are in contact with the U.S. officials. The minister of public safety, RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) are fully engaged and providing all necessary support," Trudeau said. 

(With input from agencies)