In a shocking incident on Wednesday, a vehicle speeding towards the U.S.-Canada Rainbow Bridge from the American side erupted in a fiery explosion at a checkpoint in Niagara Falls. The catastrophic event claimed two lives and led to the closure of several border crossings for hours. Initial concerns about a possible terror attack were dispelled by authorities who found no evidence linking the crash to terrorism.

The FBI's Buffalo office concluded their investigation late Wednesday, finding no explosive materials or terrorism connections. The Niagara Falls Police Department has taken over, treating the incident as a traffic investigation.

The Rainbow Bridge incident, occurring just before the Thanksgiving holiday, raised alarms on both sides of the border. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were promptly briefed on the situation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Attorney Trini Ross reassured the public, ruling out terrorism.

Security footage captured the vehicle racing through an intersection, soaring into the air, and crashing near the main vehicle checkpoint. The identities of the deceased, a husband and wife, have not been officially disclosed.

Investigators, including the FBI, have not found any derogatory information about the driver, a resident of western New York. New York Senator Chuck Schumer confirmed no ties to terrorist or criminal groups and no evidence of explosives at the scene.

The car, traveling at high speed, was completely incinerated upon impact, leaving only the engine and debris scattered across the checkpoint. Governor Hochul described the video footage as “absolutely surreal.”

Bystanders captured the aftermath on social media, showing flames and thick smoke at the site. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection worker sustained minor injuries.

The Rainbow Bridge and other nearby crossings were temporarily closed as a precaution, affecting traffic on one of the busiest U.S. travel days. The incident prompted increased security measures at the Buffalo-Niagara international Airport and other key locations.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into this tragic event that has left the community and travelers in shock and mourning.