Car Crash in Niagara Falls Kills Kurt P. Villani and Monica Villani

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New York Couple Killed in Fiery Car Crash at Niagara Falls Border Checkpoint

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) — A tragic car crash occurred at a border checkpoint in Niagara Falls, resulting in the death of a western New York couple. The victims were identified by the Niagara Falls Police Department as Kurt P. Villani and Monica Villani, both 53, from Grand Island, New York, a Buffalo suburb near the falls.

The incident took place on Wednesday at the Rainbow Bridge when the couple’s car crashed into a row of security booths, causing a fiery explosion. The car had raced through an intersection, hit a low median, and was launched into the air before the collision. The wreckage was so severe that the vehicle was completely incinerated, with only the engine and some charred debris remaining.

Kurt and Monica Villani were well-known in their community as their family owns Gui’s Lumber and several Ace Hardware locations in western New York. The family has been operating the business since the mid-1980s. The tragic news has left the community in shock, and condolences and prayers have been pouring in for the grieving family.

Authorities have not yet revealed the exact cause of the crash. The FBI’s Buffalo office initially investigated the incident but found no signs of a terror attack, concluding that it was a traffic accident. The case has now been handed over to the local police for further investigation. The Niagara Falls Police Department stated that due to the complexity of the crash, the investigation will take some time to complete.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her disbelief at the severity of the crash, describing it as “surreal” and comparing the aftermath to something generated by artificial intelligence. The incident caused significant disruptions to traffic, particularly at a nearby airport in Buffalo, on one of the busiest travel days in the United States ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Rainbow Bridge, where the crash occurred, is a popular crossing point between the United States and Canada, with approximately 6,000 vehicles passing through it daily. The bridge offers stunning views of the famous Niagara Falls.

The tragic accident has left the community mourning the loss of Kurt and Monica Villani. The families and the lumber company released a joint statement expressing their gratitude for the support and requesting privacy as they begin the healing process.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to this devastating incident.

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