Border crossings between northwestern Ontario, Minnesota remain open after explosion at Rainbow Bridge

Border crossings between Canada and the United States in northwestern Ontario remain open, though otherbridge bordercrossings have been closed following a vehicle explosion on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge connecting New York and Ontario

The CBSA online listings for the Fort Frances Bridge between Fort Frances, Ont. and International Falls, Minn. show no delays, and a U.S. border agent at the Pigeon River crossing near Thunder Bay confirmed the crossing remains open. The CBSA also lists the bridge crossing between Sault Ste. Marie Ont., and Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., open as well.

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The Peace, Rainbow and Queenston/Lewiston bridges connecting Canada and the U.S. are closed after an explosion on the American side on the Rainbow Bridge, according to officials.

Two Canadian government sources have confirmed to CBC News that two people are dead following an explosion on the American side of the Rainbow Bridge that has shut border crossings between Ontario and New York.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Buffalo Field Office said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that it's investigating a vehicle explosion.

"The FBI is coordinating with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. As this situation is very fluid, that's all we can say at this time."

Ron Rienas, general manager of the Peace Bridge, told CBC Hamilton the bridges were shut down early on Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) told CBC Hamilton via email that the agency is "liaising with our U.S. counterparts on this matter," and the FBI is leading the investigation.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on X that New York State Police are working with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force "to monitor all points of entry to New York" as a result of the explosion.

The U.S. transportation agency the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said it is "increasing security system-wide." It said cars entering Buffalo's airport will undergo security checks and travellers can "expect additional screenings." The Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports are fully operational.

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"We have major issues happening right now at the U.S. borders in the Niagara Region," Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said. "Niagara Regional Police, Niagara Parks Police as well as Canada Border Services are working on an incident in that area."

Schmidt said to expect heavy delays in the Niagara area and encouraged people in the area to delay travel.

PMO in contact with U.S. officials

Justin Trudeau's press secretary, Jenna Ghassabeh, said in an email that the prime minister has been briefed "by the national security and intelligence adviser about the situation in Niagara Falls."

The email said the Prime Minister's Office is "in contact with the U.S officials. The minister of public safety, RCMP and CBSA are fully engaged and providing all necessary support."

"It's a very serious situation," Trudeau said, speaking to the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon, adding his office will "remain engaged" on the incident for the rest of the day.

The Niagara Falls Canada fire department's spokesperson said they are not involved in the response and have not sent any crews out.

WATCH | OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says incident is having a major impact: