A couple killed when their luxury car slammed into a border checkpoint in Niagara Falls and exploded in a fireball triggering a security scare have been identified.
Police have named the victims as husband and wife Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53, of Grand Island, New York, whose family owns a lumber business and several hardware stores in the Buffalo area.
An investigation is under way into what caused the Bentley Flying Spur to crash at the Rainbow Bridge, linking New York state and Ontario, on Wednesday.
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‘This vehicle was incinerated’
Security footage showed the vehicle travelling from the US side of the border at high speed before hitting an object, flying into the air and then hurtling into a row of security booths where it burst into flames.
A US customs officer suffered minor injuries at the scene and was treated at a nearby hospital before being released later.
The incident immediately raised concerns both sides of the border of a terrorist attack, prompting the closure of four US-Canadian border crossings in the area and a halt to international flights at Buffalo International Airport.
An initial investigation by the authorities, including the FBI, found it was not terror-related and turned the case over to local police.
Traffic investigators are looking at whether medical or mechanical issues may have contributed to the tragedy, Niagara Falls police chief John Faso said.
The bridge smash initially raised concerns of a terror attack
A statement issued by the victims’ family said: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that extended prayers, condolences and well wishes.
“At this point, we are requesting privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”
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The president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce said the couple’s support for their community was well known.
“They gave from their heart, so they didn’t make a big deal about it,” Eric Fiebelkorn said.
New York governor Kathy Hochul described the crash scene as “surreal” with the vehicle “basically incinerated”, leaving little behind but the engine and a scattering of charred debris.
She 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.”
