NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls has reopened after two people were killed in a crash and vehicle explosion on Wednesday.
Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement on social media Thursday evening:
"Only one day after the horrific incident on the Rainbow Bridge closed nearby cross-border travel for hours, the bridge is now reopen.
I am grateful to the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, CBP, & all working to keep New Yorkers safe during the busiest travel time of the year."
Just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a median on Niagara Street, went airborne, and crashed into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection booth at the bridge and the vehicle and booth exploded.
On Wednesday evening the governor said: "At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack. Let me repeat that, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist-involved attack here at the Rainbow Bridge."
Two people in the vehicle died. Multiple sources tell 7 News the two people killed in the crash were a couple from Grand Island. Investigators are not releasing any information on the victims at this time.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer suffered minor injuries, went to the hospital out of an abundance of caution and was treated and released.
WATCH: Two dead, no indication of a terrorist attack after vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge
FBI Buffalo released an updated statement late Wednesday evening and said in part that it completed the investigation and the search of the scene revealed no explosive materials and no terrorism nexus was identified.
“FBI Buffalo has concluded our investigation at the scene of the Rainbow Bridge incident. A search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and no terrorism nexus was identified. The matter has been turned over to the Niagara Falls Police Department as a traffic investigation.
The FBI thanks our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their assistance, and we remain committed in our mission to keeping the public safe.”
WATCH: Hochul: No indication of a terrorist attack after vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection released surveillance video that shows the vehicle involved in the explosion going airborne before the explosion.
WATCH: 'Almost like a movie': Witness recounts vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls
WATCH: Vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge impacts operations at Buffalo Niagara International Airport
7 News has obtained surveillance video of the explosion.
7 News has also obtained witness video of the aftermath of the explosion.
*Editor's note: this story previously included information reported by CNN on the events that led up to the explosion, that information has been removed.*
The vehicle explosion closed all four border crossings in Western New York between the U.S. and Canada Wednesday afternoon. The Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and Whirlpool Bridge have reopened Wednesday night, but the Rainbow Bridge remained closed until it reopened on Thursday night.
