Niagara Falls Police have released the names of the two people killed in Wednesday’s crash on the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge, which remained closed until Thursday evening.

 

 

A man and his wife from the Buffalo suburb of Grand Island, New York have been named by police as the driver and passenger in the explosive, fiery crash.

Kurt Villani and Monica Villani, both 53.

 

 

The family owns Gui’s lumber and several hardware stores in Western New York.

The family’s released a statement.

”We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all that [have] extended prayers, condolences and well wishes. We are deeply touched. At this point, we would request privacy so we may begin the process of healing.”

Initially investigated as possible terrorism, which was ruled out, the incident is being treated as a traffic matter.