Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic Crash at Niagara Falls Border Checkpoint Claims Lives of Prominent Western New York Couple

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) — The Niagara Falls community is in shock following a devastating car crash at a border checkpoint that resulted in the death of a beloved husband and wife. The victims have been identified as Kurt P. Villani and Monica Villani, both 53 years old, from Grand Island, New York. The couple was well-known in the region as their family owns Gui’s Lumber, a prominent lumber business, and seven Ace Hardware locations in western New York.

The Villani family has been involved in the business since the mid-1980s, serving the local community with their high-quality products and excellent service. The sudden loss of Kurt and Monica has left their family, friends, and employees devastated.

Expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support, the families and the lumber company released a joint statement through the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, saying, “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all who have offered prayers, condolences, and well wishes during this difficult time. We now ask for privacy as we begin the healing process.”

Details of the crash at the Rainbow Bridge, where the couple’s vehicle crashed into a row of security booths and exploded in flames, are yet to be released by authorities. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, caused widespread concern on both sides of the border.

Video and images of the aftermath circulated online, leading to the closure of the bridge and three other crossings in the area. The FBI’s Buffalo office was initially involved in the investigation but later concluded that there were no signs of a terror attack. The case has since been handed over to the local police as a traffic investigation.

The Niagara Falls Police Department, responsible for the ongoing investigation, stated that the complexity of the crash will require significant time to complete. While they released the names of the victims in a statement on Friday, no further details were provided.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, addressing the crash, described it as “surreal” and emphasized the extent of the destruction. 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.”

The safety measures implemented following the crash caused traffic congestion at a nearby airport in Buffalo and other areas, coinciding with one of the busiest travel days in the United States, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. However, the bridges were eventually reopened, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow.

Approximately 6,000 vehicles cross the Rainbow Bridge daily, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory. This short, steel bridge offers breathtaking views of the majestic Niagara Falls.

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