Possible Cause of Rainbow Bridge Explosion at Niagara Falls Uncovered
TL/DR –
Two people died in a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls. The cause of the incident remains unknown, but it is hypothesized that a mechanical failure in the car, an older model Bentley, may have played a role. The possibility of a terrorist attack has been ruled out by the FBI and New York’s governor, and it is expected that the investigation into the cause will take some time due to the extensive damage from the explosion.
Investigation Underway Into Niagara Falls Vehicle Explosion Leading To Two Fatalities
A vehicle explosion near Niagara Falls resulted in two fatalities, leaving investigators probing possible mechanical failures as a cause. The incident occurred on a Wednesday at the Rainbow Bridge.
According to Niagara Falls’ Mayor, Robert Restaino, the vehicle – an older Bentley model driven by Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani – could have experienced a mechanical issue causing it to accelerate unexpectedly. The vehicle sped up, hit a curb on the US side, became airborne, and exploded, leading to the couple’s death.
Initial concerns about a potential terrorist attack were quashed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and FBI officials, asserting there was no evidence of terrorism. The couple were local New York residents heading to a KISS concert in Canada, which was subsequently cancelled. Before the tragic event, they visited the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino.
Key Points
Automotive analyst Lauren Fix cites the Event Data Recorder (EDR), similar to an aircraft’s “black box”, as a vital part of the ongoing Rainbow Bridge crash investigation.
3D scanners are being employed to recreate the crash scene digitally, as explained by Niagara Falls Police Department Chief John Faso. This process, however, will not be quick. It’s a “monumental task”, he said.
WATCH: Surveillance footage captures the vehicle’s speed before the explosion.
Investigators are still unravelling the cause of the crash, with mechanical failure in the car being a potential factor. The investigation was handed to local law enforcement following the FBI’s conclusion of “no sign of terrorist activity”.
The family of Kurt P Villani and Monica Villani, owners of Gui’s Lumber, expressed their gratitude for the condolences received and requested privacy to begin the healing process – a message from the family.
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