Written on: November 23, 2023, 06:18h.
Last updated on: November 23, 2023, 06:18h.
Motorists killed in U.S.-Canada border explosion had visited Seneca Niagara Casino, reports reveal. What was initially feared as a terror incident turned out to be a tragic accident, as police reported the driver and passenger lost control of their car and perished instantly in a fiery explosion at the border.
The DailyMail.com reported the 56-year-old driver and his wife were the victims in the explosive crash that occurred in broad daylight. Eyewitnesses and reports revealed the car was speeding over 100 mph and went airborne after striking a curb and guardrail. It landed in a screening area and immediately exploded into towering flames with debris scattered onto the pavement.
Authorities disclosed the couple had briefly stopped at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino before the tragic episode took place. The casino commented to DailyMail.com that they had provided information on the couple’s visit but made no further comments.
Unnamed sources mentioned the couple may have gone to the casino to change money before heading to Canada.
CNN initially suggested the driver might have suffered a “medical emergency,” leading to the crash. The couple was en route to a Kiss concert in Canada, which was subsequently canceled.
Regarding the possibility of a terrorism link, authorities began an extensive investigation, fearing that the incident had been a planned attack, especially given the timing over the Thanksgiving holiday and heightened security alerts due to global unrest.
Incident response teams temporarily shut down the Rainbow Bridge and three other entry points to Canada as part of the investigation. The U.S. President and Canadian Prime Minister were informed. Specialized personnel from the police department and terrorism experts were swiftly deployed to the scene.
Particular attention was paid to the heightened security situation during the global conflict. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was also injured but received treatment.
Eyewitnesses Recall Tragedy
An eyewitness recounted his moment of witnessing the deadly incident, noting he saw smoke billowing from the bridge after having visited a nearby casino.
“It looked like a vehicle just crashed into the bridge,” the eyewitness told the Niagara Gazette.