In a tragic incident, two people lost their lives in a vehicle explosion that occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Rainbow Bridge, a U.S.-Canada border crossing near Niagara Falls in western New York. The explosion has resulted in the closure of four U.S.-Canada border crossings in the region as investigators work diligently to respond to the situation, as reported by CBS Buffalo affiliate WIVB.

Multiple law enforcement sources have confirmed that the fatalities occurred inside the vehicle that exploded, and preliminary information suggests that the incident was intentional. However, the exact reason behind the explosion remains unknown at this stage, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke to CBS News. The official stated that the incident appeared to be more than a freak accident but did not provide further details.

The FBI Buffalo Field Office released a statement on social media acknowledging the ongoing investigation into the vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge, which serves as a border crossing between the U.S. and Canada in Niagara Falls. The statement underlined the fluidity of the situation, stating that no additional information could be shared at this time.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been briefed on the incident and has taken immediate action in collaboration with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. In a statement, Governor Hochul expressed her commitment to monitoring all points of entry to New York. She is en route to Buffalo to meet with law enforcement and emergency responders.

According to information provided by the City of Niagara Falls and reported by WIVB, the vehicle involved in the incident was attempting to enter the United States.

Travelers during this busy period should anticipate heightened security measures, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stated that there would be an increase in law enforcement presence and canine patrols throughout the transportation system. The TSA noted that current threat levels and global events necessitated the heightened security.

Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls in New York to Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, is a popular crossing point for both tourists and commuters. The Peace Bridge, Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge are the other border crossings in the region.

As the investigation into the vehicle explosion continues, authorities are working tirelessly to determine the motives behind this tragic incident, seeking to provide answers and ensure the safety of all border crossings in the area.