breaking
Vehicle explodes on bridge between US and Canada border near Niagara Falls
The incident happened one day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year
A vehicle has exploded on a bridge that connects the US to Canada, the FBI has confirmed.
The incident took place on the Rainbow Bridge near Niagara Falls, one day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year in the US.
Rainbow Bridge links the cities of Niagara Falls, US with Niagara Falls, Canada.
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And the city of Niagara Falls says that the vehicle in question was 'coming into' the US - with the incident happening at around 11:30am local time.
Images and video footage of the scene show fire and debris on the ground.
Witnesses also spoke to the Niagara Gazette, with one person saying: "We heard something smash.
"We saw fire and big, black smoke."
Officials also confirmed that all other crossings between the two countries in the region have been closed until further notice - with The Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and Whirlpool Bridge all currently closed in both directions.
The FBI said in a statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter): "The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge, a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls.
"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."
The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, also confirmed that there had been an incident.
She wrote on X: "State agencies are on site and ready to assist.
"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.
"I am traveling to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders and will update New Yorkers when more information becomes available."
Canada's Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc said that 'we are working closely with American counterparts'.
Adding: "This is a rapidly changing situation."
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said it would be increasing security at nearby airports and that travellers should expect additional screenings.
"The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports are fully operational. We advise travellers to give themselves time for these extra precautions in addition to holiday travel," the agency said.
The incident comes just one day before Thanksgiving, one of the biggest public celebrations in the US.
Each year, millions of Americans travel to spend the holidays with friends and family.
The American Automobile Association expects 55.4 million travellers to travel 50 miles or more from today (November 22) to Sunday (November 26) in one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Bec Oakes