Rainbow Bridge explosion: Possible cause of Niagara Falls crash revealed
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The cause of Wednesday’s Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now probing whether a mechanical failure could be to blame.
Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple, identified on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
Dramatic footage captured the vehicle speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border, became airborne and then combusted, killing the pair inside.
The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack but New York Governor Kathy Hochul and FBI officials later said there was “no sign of terrorist activity”.
Instead, law enforcement sources told CNN that the victims were a local New York man and his wife, who have not been named, who were planning to attend a KISS concert in Canada on Wednesday night.
The gig was cancelled and so they stopped by the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino before the vehicle made the ill-fated trip towards the US-Canada border crossing.
Key Points
New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to KISS concert’
Casino where car stopped before crash cooperating with police
Dramatic surveillance footage captures fiery car crash
New York Governor Hochul says ‘no sign of terrorist activity’
14:00 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Surveillance footage shows car speeding moments before explosion
13:00 , Kelly Rissman
What caused the crash?
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.
Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.
Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.
On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department – which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism – carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.
In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an “accident” just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.
“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” Ms Hochul said.
She added: “Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I won’t call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life – but at this time: no known terrorism activity.”
The FBI’s Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that “no terrorism nexus was identified”.
12:00 , Kelly Rissman
What happened?
At 11.50am ET, the Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”, according to an incident alert from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition.
Witness Mike Guenther told NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV that he had been walking on the bridge when he saw a speeding car approach the border checkpoint, hit a fence and go airborne before exploding.
Another witness told reporters that he had seen the vehicle catch fire, before seeing black smoke and flames.
Ambulances arrived soon afterward to find the vehicle completely burned out. Two individuals travelling in the car died, officials said.
11:00 , Kelly Rissman
Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.
Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.
The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.
Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.
Now, two days on, investigators are still working to piece together what caused the deadly crash which has left the couple’s upstate New York community of Grand Island in mourning.
10:00 , Kelly Rissman
A message from the family
Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani were identified on Friday as the victims of the crash.
Online records revealed that the family owns Gui’s Lumber, a business that spans locations across western New York.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that extended prayers, condolences and well wishes,” the families and the lumber company said in a joint statement released by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office on Friday. “At this point, we are requesting privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”
09:00 , Kelly Rissman
Gov Kathy Hochul said she initially thought the crash was AI-generated
At a press conference earlier this week, the governor said, “You actually had to look at it and say, was this generated by AI?”
“Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire,” she explained.
She and the FBI have ruled out that the incident was a terrorist act. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.
08:00 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: What we know about the Rainbow Bridge crash
Two people, Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canadaborder crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.
The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted “into a fireball” just before midday, according to witnesses.
Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.
The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.
Within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.
Read the full story...
What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion
06:00 , Kelly Rissman
Video captures the speeding car ahead of the crash
CBP is working closely with @FBI, federal, state & local partners in response to a vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge which remains closed. Out of abundance of caution, CBP temporarily suspended inbound/outbound traffic at 3 other Buffalo crossings that have since reopened. pic.twitter.com/pTXyUsavRB
— CBP (@CBP) November 22, 2023
05:00 , Kelly Rissman
Tributes pour in after Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani died in the crash
The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.
“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.
“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”
The couple’s friend Chuck Meyer also revealed his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.
“I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didn’t know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars,” he told the local outlet on Thursday.
“I thought, ‘Oh, they’re having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, that’s really nice.’ And then about an hour later, heard the news and I’m like, ‘oh my God.’”
04:00 , Kelly Rissman
Who were the two people killed in the blast?
Law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday night that the Rainbow Bridge crash is believed to have involved a local New York individual and a passenger who had planned to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, Canada.
The concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman, Paul Stanley, falling ill with the flu.
Police identified the couple on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53; they lived in Grand Island, New York. They are survived by two children, according to an obiturary for the husband’s father.
The Villanis own Gui’s Lumber, a business with eight locations across western New York.
In a statement to CBC, the business wrote: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”
Read the full story...
What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion
03:00 , Kelly Rissman
A cancelled KISS concert to a fatal crash
A deadly crash at a border crossing between the US and Canada is believed to have involved a New York couple who had planned to attend a Kiss concert in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but were said to have lived in western New York, were speeding in their Bentley when the car rammed into the Rainbow Bridge crossing, killing them both.
The blast sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and US officials to briefly close all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.
Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.
Instead, the investigation so far indicates that the couple were planning to cross the border to go to a Kiss concert in Toronto that night. But the concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman Paul Stanley becoming ill with the flu.
02:00 , Kelly Rissman
The timeline
Wednesday, 22 November:
The band KISS cancelled its Toronto show due to frontman Paul Stanley catching the flu
A New York couple, who had been planning on going to the concert, decide to go to a casino
The couple left the casino, and headed toward the bridge
11.50am: The Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”
Gov Kathy Hochul announces “there is no indication of a terrorist attack”
The FBI also said “no terrorism nexus was identified”
Friday, 24 November:
Police identify the couple as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani from Grand Island New York
They were survived by their two children
01:00 , Kelly Rissman
Bentley spokesperson weighs in
In the wake of the incident, Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
Erin Bronner, a spokesperson for Bentley USA, told WIVB 4: “We will work with the authorities quickly as soon as we are contacted and if we can aid in any investigation.”
00:00 , Kelly Rissman
Right-wing figures bashed for rushing to label crash a terrorist attack
A number of right-wing figures quickly branded the crash a “terrorist attack,” sparking criticism.
Senator Ted Cruz also claimed the incident was a terror attack, tweeting: “This confirms our worst fear: the explosion at Rainbow Bridge was a terrorist attack.”
Congressman Byron Donalds also chimed in. “Today’s apparent terrorist attack must be a wake-up call to all Americans. Now—more than ever—we need a change in leadership in our nation,” he said. “As authorities respond to this ongoing situation, I extend my prayers to all those impacted by this terror and pray for our great nation.”
Florida Senator Rick Scott and presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy, as well as Donald Trump Jr, among others, also suggested the explosion was a terrorist incident, linking it to border enforcement policies.
CNN reporter Oliver Darcy criticized Fox News’ initial “terrorist attack” reporting in an interview with Abby Phillip on Wednesday.
“This was irresponsible reporting, this was reckless reporting and by all accounts, it was inaccurate reporting,” he said, adding that it was reported “for hours” and the network sent out a push alert on the terrorism report.
Political strategist Lindy Li also criticised Fox News, tweeting: “Contrary to what Fox News wants you to believe the car explosion on the Rainbow Bridge was NOT a terrorist attack but a terrible accident,” she said.
“Trump’s violent insurrection against our Capitol WAS a terrorist attack and NOT a normal tourist visit. Learn the b****y difference.”
Friday 24 November 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman
What caused the crash?
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.
Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.
Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.
On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department – which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism – carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.
In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an “accident” just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.
“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” Ms Hochul said.
She added: “Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I won’t call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life – but at this time: no known terrorism activity.”
The FBI’s Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that “no terrorism nexus was identified”.
Friday 24 November 2023 22:40 , Kelly Rissman
What New York officials have said about the crash
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.— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 23, 2023
I’m closely monitoring the situation on the Rainbow Bridge crossing between the United States and Canada in Niagara Falls. Please follow guidance from local officials. I’m deeply grateful to all of our brave first responders responding to this situation.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) November 22, 2023
I’ve been newly briefed by the @FBI this evening on the incident at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.
They have now confirmed that there is no reason at present to believe this was terrorism.
And they believe they have the identity of the driver.— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 22, 2023
Friday 24 November 2023 22:20 , Kelly Rissman
Mystery clouds the cause of the Rainbow Bridge crash
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.
Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.
The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.
Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.
Read the full story...
Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash
Friday 24 November 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: What happened in the fatal crash
A couple from New York died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canada border crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.
The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted “into a fireball” just before midday, according to witnesses.
Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.
The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.
Despite mounting speculation the crash was a terrorist act, within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.
Read the full story...
What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion
Friday 24 November 2023 21:40 , Kelly Rissman
The latest from the Niagara Falls police
Friday 24 November 2023 21:20 , Kelly Rissman
What happened to the border patrol worker?
A Customs and Border Protection worker in a checkpoint booth was injured after the couple’s Bentley rammed into the booth.
The CBP worker was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released, Gov Kathy Hochul said.
Friday 24 November 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman
Who were the two people killed in the blast?
Law enforcement sources told CNN on Wednesday night that the Rainbow Bridge crash is believed to have involved a local New York individual and a passenger who had planned to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, Canada.
The concert was cancelled earlier in the day due to frontman, Paul Stanley, falling ill with the flu.
Police identified the couple on Friday as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53; they lived in Grand Island, New York. They are survived by two children, according to an obiturary for the husband’s father.
The Villanis own Gui’s Lumber, a business with eight locations across western New York.
In a statement to CBC, the business wrote: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”
Friday 24 November 2023 20:40 , Kelly Rissman
A statement from the family
The Villanis own Gui’s Lumber, a chain of stores across western New York. CBC reached out to the business:
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing,” the statement says
Friday 24 November 2023 20:20 , Kelly Rissman
Tributes pour in for couple killed in fiery crash
The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ.
“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.
“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”
Read the full story...
Tributes pour in for couple killed in fiery crash on Rainbow Bridge
Friday 24 November 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman
The timeline
Wednesday, 22 November:
The band KISS cancelled its Toronto show due to frontman Paul Stanley catching the flu
A New York couple, who had been planning on going to the concert, decide to go to a casino
The couple left the casino, and headed toward the bridge
11.50am: The Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”
Gov Kathy Hochul announces “there is no indication of a terrorist attack”
The FBI also said “no terrorism nexus was identified”
Friday, 24 November:
Police identify the couple as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani from Grand Island New York
They were survived by their two children
Friday 24 November 2023 19:34 , Kelly Rissman
Buffalo airport reopens to international flights after explosion
Buffalo Niagara International Airport has reopened to arriving international flights and departures following a car explosion that occurred at the US-Canada border in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, according to the US Department of Transportation.
It had been closed earlier in the afternoon as officials investigated the cause of the blast.
The incident occurred shortly before 12pm. Authorities say that the vehicle had attempted to cross the US border into Canada using Rainbow Bridge. When a border patrol officer directed the car into a secondary lane for searching, it sped up, went airborne over an 8-foot fence, crashed, caught on fire and then exploded.
Read the full story...
Buffalo airport reopens to international flights after Niagara blast
Friday 24 November 2023 19:20 , Kelly Rissman
Chilling footage revealed
The CBP released harrowing footage of the moment that the car went flying through the air, which can be seen in the upper part of the video.
CBP is working closely with @FBI, federal, state & local partners in response to a vehicle explosion at Rainbow Bridge which remains closed. Out of abundance of caution, CBP temporarily suspended inbound/outbound traffic at 3 other Buffalo crossings that have since reopened. pic.twitter.com/pTXyUsavRB
— CBP (@CBP) November 22, 2023
Friday 24 November 2023 19:00 , Kelly Rissman
The blast could have been caused by a “fuel-air explosion,” former official says
Scott Sweetow, the former director of the FBI’s Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center, told CBS News the eruption may have been the result of a “fuel-air explosion.”
“I am speculating that, due to the high speed of the car, and almost disintegration of [the car], that as fuel in the breached gas tank went forward under high speed, it mixed with the air and created almost a cloud of gasoline, which then ignited, creating the dramatic fireball we all saw,” he told the outlet.
Friday 24 November 2023 18:40 , Kelly Rissman
Theory that the deadly crash was caused by a terrorist act has been throughouly rejected
On Thursday, Niagara Falls Police Department – which is now leading the investigation after the FBI found no signs of terrorism – carried out an accident reconstruction, including retracing the last known movements of the couple.
In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Ms Hochul said she would not go so far as to declare the blast an “accident” just yet as the probe continues but that the two people killed were local residents with no ties to terrorism. No other potential motive had been discovered.
“I want to be very, very clear to Americans and New Yorkers, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist attack,” Ms Hochul said.
She added: “Based on what is happening in the world, everyone is on edge. This is an international border. I won’t call it an accident yet. All we know is there was a horrific incident, a crash, a loss of life – but at this time: no known terrorism activity.”
The FBI’s Buffalo division also released a statement saying that no explosives had been found at the scene and that “no terrorism nexus was identified”.
Friday 24 November 2023 18:20 , Kelly Rissman
The bridge is reopened
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.— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 23, 2023
Friday 24 November 2023 18:20 , Kelly Rissman
What exactly happened in the Rainbow Bridge crash?
At 11.50am ET, the Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”, according to an incident alert from the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition.
Witness Mike Guenther told NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV that he had been walking on the bridge when he saw a speeding car approach the border checkpoint, hit a fence and go airborne before exploding.
Another witness told reporters that he had seen the vehicle catch fire, before seeing black smoke and flames.
Ambulances arrived soon afterward to find the vehicle completely burned out. Two individuals travelling in the car died, officials said.
Friday 24 November 2023 18:00 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Smoke billows from Niagara Falls explosion as two people dead in vehicle blast
Friday 24 November 2023 17:40 , Kelly Rissman
Gov Kathy Hochul said she initially thought the crash was AI-generated
At a press conference earlier this week, the governor said, “You actually had to look at it and say, was this generated by AI?”
“Because it was so surreal to see. How high in the air this vehicle went, and then the crash, and the explosion, and the fire,” she explained.
She and the FBI have ruled out that the incident was a terrorist act. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Friday 24 November 2023 17:20 , Kelly Rissman
What was the cause of the fatal crash?
The cause of the crash is still unknown, but officials have ruled out that it was caused by a terrorist act.
Others have speculated that it was caused by the Bentley, which the couple were driving.
Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
However, a spokesperson for the US arm of Bentley Motors told the outlet that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.
We might not know exactly what happened for some time. “Due to the complexity of the incident, the investigation will take some time to complete,” the Niagara Falls Police have said.
Friday 24 November 2023 17:00 , Kelly Rissman
New York officials weigh in on the crash
Because of the situation on the Rainbow Bridge between the US and Canada in Niagara Falls, both the Rainbow Bridge and the Peace Bridge are now closed. Please avoid the area and follow the guidance of law enforcement and first responders.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) November 22, 2023
Just came from the scene of this horrible incident at the Rainbow Bridge. No evidence of terrorism indicated at this time.
Grateful for our first responders keeping drivers and residents safe on this busy travel day. Will continue to update on any developments. https://t.co/nNGFPHm0bm— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 22, 2023
I’ve been newly briefed by the @FBI this evening on the incident at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.
They have now confirmed that there is no reason at present to believe this was terrorism.
And they believe they have the identity of the driver.— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 22, 2023
Friday 24 November 2023 16:40 , Kelly Rissman
Friday’s statement from police
UPDATE: Niagara Falls PD identify the couple killed in the crash at the Rainbow Bridge as Kurt P. and Monica Villani. pic.twitter.com/UUwYQXLJb5
— Evan Lambert (@EvanLambertTV) November 24, 2023
Friday 24 November 2023 16:20 , Kelly Rissman
The timeline
Wednesday, 22 November:
The band KISS cancelled its Toronto show due to frontman Paul Stanley catching the flu
A New York couple, who had been planning on going to the concert, decide to go to a casino
The couple left the casino, and headed toward the bridge
11.50am: The Rainbow Bridge was closed due to a “traffic event”
Gov Kathy Hochul announces “there is no indication of a terrorist attack”
The FBI also said “no terrorism nexus was identified”
Friday, 24 November:
Police identify the couple as Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani from Grand Island New York
They were survived by their two children
Friday 24 November 2023 16:00 , Kelly Rissman
What caused the crash?
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge blast remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.
Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
However, a spokesperson for the American arm of Bentley Motors told the paper that the automaker was yet to hear from investigators about the incident.
Whatever the cause, getting to the bottom of what happened could take time as the car was effectively incinerated in the fireball blast.
Friday 24 November 2023 15:40 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: What happened in the fatal crash
A couple from New York died after a vehicle exploded at a US-Canada border crossing at Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday 22 November.
The car was attempting to enter Canada from the United States when it sped toward a checkpoint, crashed into a fence and erupted “into a fireball” just before midday, according to witnesses.
Video footage and photos showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the checkpoint, and a security booth that had been charred by flames.
The blast killed two, reportedly injured one Border Patrol officer and led to the closure of four border crossings between the US and Canada in New York state.
Despite mounting speculation the crash was a terrorist act, within hours, investigators had ruled out that the car had been carrying explosives or was connected to terrorism.
Read the full story...
What we know about the deadly Rainbow Bridge explosion
Friday 24 November 2023 15:20 , Kelly Rissman
What we know about the couple killed in the Rainbow Bridge crash
Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, both 53, were killed in Wednesday’s crash.
An obituary for Kurt Villani’s father revealed that the couple were survived by two children.
Kurt P Villani’s father, Kurt M Villani, had operated Gui’s Lumber/Ace Hardware with his wife since the mid-1980s.
The company’s website shows that the business now spans eight locations across Western New York.
Friday 24 November 2023 15:00 , Kelly Rissman
Kurt Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53, died in the crash
“The City of Niagara Falls would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families as they deal with this tragedy,” authorities wrote.
Although little is known about the couple at this time, law enforcement said that the couple had been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto, but had to cancel their plans after the frontman Paul Stanley fell ill with flu. The Villanis then headed to a casino near the border, CNN reported.
Read the full story...
Couple killed in Rainbow Bridge car explosion identified
Friday 24 November 2023 14:34 , Kelly Rissman
Couple tragically killed in Rainbow Bridge crash has been identified
Niagara Falls police identified Grand Island, New York residents Kurt P Villani, 53, and his wife Monica Villani, 53, as the victims of Wednesday’s fatal crash, WIVB4 reported.
Although little is known about the couple at this time, it was previously revealed that the pair had planned on attending a KISS concert in Toronto but were forced to change their plans when the gig was cancelled due to the frontman falling ill.
Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash
Friday 24 November 2023 14:30 , Rachel Sharp
The cause of the Rainbow Bridge deadly vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now exploring whether a mechanical failure in the car could be to blame.
A New York couple, who have not been publicly named, were both killed on Wednesday when their speeding Bentley rammed into the border crossing along Niagara Falls, which connects the US and Canada.
The blast instantly sparked fears of a terrorist attack, prompting Canadian and US officials to briefly close all four border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.
Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.
Now, two days on, investigators are still working to piece together what caused the deadly crash which has left the couple’s upstate New York community in mourning.
Read the full story here:
Mystery as investigators probe possible cause of Rainbow Bridge crash
Couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion reportedly planned to go to KISS concert
Friday 24 November 2023 14:10 , Ariana Baio
The New York couple that died in a fiery crash after their car hit a curb and launched into the air on the Rainbow Bridge had reportedly been planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto,
Investigators told news outlets the two people in the car, were a man and a woman planning to attend a KISS concert in Toronto but were forced to change their plans when the gig was cancelled due to the frontman falling ill.
The pair reportedly drove a Bentley vehicle to the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, located less than a mile from the bridge, where they made a brief appearance.
The crash then unfolded when the couple left the casino and began travelling at high speeds toward the Rainbow Bridge, which connects New York to Canada.
Many questions remain as to what caused the crash and whether it was intentional or accidental, with investigators probing the possibility that the driver may have suffered a medical emergency.
Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified, were residents of western New York.
Friend of victims reveals shock at learning they were involved in Rainbow Bridge crash
Friday 24 November 2023 13:50 , Rachel Sharp
The couple’s friend Chuck Meyer also revealed his shock when he learned that the tragedy broadcast on national news involved those close to him.
“I got home yesterday (Wednesday). I didn’t know anything other than hearing things on the news about the border, and then saw that their driveway was filled up with all these cars,” he told NBC-affiliate-WGRZ on Thursday.
“I thought, ‘Oh, they’re having Christmas or Thanksgiving early, and like, that’s really nice.’ And then about an hour later, heard the news and I’m like, ‘oh my God.’”
The husband and wife were members of Niagara Sailing Club on Grand Island, the club’s treasurer Scott Henderson said.
“Not only were people talking but then I made an announcement and some people were just incredibly shocked,” he said.
“It’s just not only a younger couple like that, but so ingrained and influential in this community.”
Mystery over cause of Rainbow Bridge crash
Friday 24 November 2023 13:30 , Rachel Sharp
The cause of Wednesday’s Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion remains something of a mystery, with investigators now probing whether a mechanical failure could be to blame.
Robert Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, told The New York Times that the Bentley the couple was driving in was an older model and may have experienced some sort of mechanical glitch that caused it to suddenly accelerate as it approached the border checkpoint.
Dramatic footage captured the vehicle speeding up before it hit a curb on the US side of the border, became airborne and then combusted, killing the two people inside.
Watch: Border guards turn cars away from US crossing on Wednesday
Friday 24 November 2023 13:10 , Ariana Baio
Rainbow Bridge: What we know about couple’s last known movements
Friday 24 November 2023 12:50 , Rachel Sharp
A deadly crash at a border crossing between the US and Canada is believed to have involved a New York couple who had planned to attend a Kiss concert in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Law enforcement sources told CNN that the couple, who have not been identified but were said to have lived in western New York, were speeding in their Bentley when the car rammed into the Rainbow Bridge crossing, killing them both.
The blast sparked fears of a terrorist attack and prompted Canadian and US officials to briefly close all border bridges between the two nations and ground planes at nearby Buffalo Airport.
Hours later, the FBI Buffalo office and New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that there were no signs that the incident was terror-related.
Read the full story here:
New York couple killed in Rainbow Bridge explosion ‘planned to go to Kiss concert’
Timeline: Rainbow Bridge explosion
Friday 24 November 2023 12:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Wednesday 22 November
At approximately 11:20am: A Bentley crashes into a curb at Rainbow Bridge, launches through the air and explodes, killing two people inside and injuring one outside of the vehicle.
11:32am: Niagara Falls Police Department arrives at the scene.
11:51am: Rainbow Bridge closed.
Approximately 12:50pm: New York Governor Kathy Hochul briefed on the situation.
Approximately 1pm: FBI in the Buffalo field office opens an investigation.
4:20pm: Injured person released from hospital.
Approximately 5pm: Ms Hochul confirms the incident was not related to terrorism. Other US-Canada bridges reopen.
Approximately 9:30 pm: FBI Buffalo close their investigation and hand it over to Niagara Falls Police Department
Thursday 23 November
9 am: Niagara Falls PD says an investigation may take some time and is awaiting the victims’ positive identification.
