Explosion Closes Border Crossings Between Western NY and Canada – Fleet Management

Four bridges connecting Canada and the U.S. were closed Wednesday afternoon following an explosion on the Rainbow Bridge.

The Rainbow Bridge does not carry commercial truck traffic, but other border bridges in the area that do were closed in both directions as well, including the Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge, and Rainbow Bridge.

The Peace Bridge typically carries around 76,000 trucks a month, according to the bridge’s website.

According to the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada, the bridges “are likely to be closed for a significant period of time.” There was a vehicle explosion at the Rainbow Bridge Inspection Station at the American side inspection area.

“Don’t send your trucks/employees to these locations until word of when the bridges will reopen is provided,” said the association.

As of 3:15Pm all Western New York Bridges to Canada remain closed. This is the backup on the 190 at the entrance ramp to the Peace Bridge. @WBEN Traffic Command pic.twitter.com/j4NXrcYvfZ

— WBEN Traffic Command (@trafficcommand) November 22, 2023

The Canada Border Services Agency is recommending both commercial and non-commercial vehicles use the Lansdowne port of entry, which is about 250 miles from the Peace Bridge.

According to NYSDOT on X, the social media platform formerly known as twitter, as of about 1:30 eastern time, remaining international crossings were put on heightened alert status but would remain open.

The FBI is working with local and state authorities to investigate. According to the New York Times, two people died and a Border Patrol officer was injured. Published reports indicate that the two deceased were in the car, which also reportedly was approaching the checkpoint at high speed. Videos posted on social media show smoke and flames.

The website for the Peace Bridge was experiencing connection problems, including for wait times, likely due to increased amount of web traffic. However, web cams on YouTube showed the bridge and inspection area eerily empty.