Investigation into fatal Rainbow Bridge crash closed

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Eight months after an explosive crash at the Rainbow Bridge killed two Grand Island residents, the investigation into the incident has come to a close.

Security camera video from Nov. 22 showed a Bentley occupied by Kurt and Monica Villani, both 53 years old, speeding through an intersection, hitting a median and launching into the air before crashing into checkpoint booths at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and exploding.

Without any new developments, the case is being closed, according to Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino.

Restaino said that the lack of physical evidence was a major issue. In December, News 4 WIVB reported that the vehicle's data recorder was recovered, but severely damaged as a result of the crash.

"In some respects, (investigators) continued to try and build additional information out of the evidence that they had to try and complete a report which they went as far as they could," Restaino said. "The case is obviously concluded as far as the investigation could go."

Restaino says he understands this is not the sense of closure the community, especially loved ones of the Villanis, were hoping for.

The mayor added that should new evidence or information become available, the Niagara Falls Police Department would follow up.