New York police have identified the victims of a car crash that occurred on the Rainbow Bridge, linking New York state and Ontario at Niagara Falls. The incident, which resulted in a Thanksgiving eve security scare, involved a car bursting into flames upon impact.

According to Niagara Falls police, the occupants of the car were identified as Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53 and residents of Grand Island, New York. The Crash Management unit of the Niagara Falls police is currently investigating the incident.

Video footage captured by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency's security camera showed the car speeding from the U.S. side of the border before colliding with an object, causing it to go airborne and crash into the ground, engulfed in flames.

During the crash, a CBP officer sustained minor injuries but was promptly treated at a nearby hospital and released, confirmed an agency official.

In response to the incident, concerns of a potential terrorist attack arose, leading to the closure of four U.S.-Canadian border crossings in the vicinity on Wednesday. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a temporary halt to international flights at Buffalo International Airport.

However, an initial investigation conducted by U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI, concluded that the crash was not terrorism-related, dispelling fears among the public.

CNN reported that the driver had originally planned to attend a concert by the rock group KISS in Canada. However, when the concert was canceled, the couple redirected their plans to visit a casino in the U.S. Investigators believe that the crash occurred after the couple left the casino, as reported by CNN citing investigator sources.

The tragic crash has raised concerns about the safety of the Rainbow Bridge and prompted authorities to further examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Crash Management unit of the Niagara Falls police, in collaboration with other agencies, is working diligently to uncover the cause of the accident and provide clarity to the grieving families.

As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Kurt and Monica Villani, while also expressing gratitude for the first responders who swiftly handled the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing safety on our roadways.

The Rainbow Bridge, a symbol of connectivity between the U.S. and Canada, will regain its routine operations once investigations are complete and security measures are reassessed to prevent similar incidents in the future.