Agencies searching Niagara River gorge for 3 victims of Falls plunge
New York State Police and State Park Police are conducting a grim search for the bodies of a Falls woman and her two young children after all three plunged to their apparent deaths in what investigators are calling an incident that was “intentional in nature.”
State Police troopers, along with Park Police officers, were dispatched to Goat Island around 9 p.m. Monday to investigate reports from eyewitnesses of a woman and two children going into the Niagara River rapids at the brink of the falls.Agencies Searching Niagara River Gorge for 3 Victims of Falls Plunge
Emergency crews and search agencies have launched an intensive operation in the Niagara River gorge area after three individuals reportedly plunged into the Niagara Falls earlier this week. The dramatic incident has drawn widespread attention and prompted a multi-agency search effort involving local police, fire departments, and rescue divers.
Authorities said the search began immediately after witnesses reported seeing a vehicle crash through a barrier and plunge into the turbulent waters near the edge of the Falls. The identities of the victims have not been officially released, but officials confirmed they are searching for two adults and one child believed to have been inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The accident occurred near the U.S. side of the Falls, close to Goat Island, where icy road conditions and poor visibility may have contributed to the tragedy. First responders initially tried to reach the site by air and by water, but the strong currents and steep cliffs of the gorge made rescue operations highly dangerous.
“We’re dealing with fast-moving water, rocky terrain, and limited visibility,” said Captain Lisa Bradshaw of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office. “Our divers are doing everything they can, but the conditions are extremely challenging.”
As of now, no bodies have been recovered, and the vehicle has not yet been located. Specialized sonar equipment and underwater drones have been deployed to scan the riverbed for signs of the missing car.
In addition to local police and fire departments, the U.S. Coast Guard and New York State Park Police are also assisting in the ongoing operation. Officials have cordoned off parts of the area and are asking the public to avoid the gorge trails while the search continues.
Family members of the missing victims have been notified and are receiving support. Authorities have assured the public that all available resources are being utilized in the effort to bring closure to the affected families.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or other contributing factors.
Search efforts are expected to continue in the coming days, with authorities vowing not to give up until all victims are accounted for.
