A possible terrorist attack within the first hour of 2024 left at least two people dead and five injured.
At approximately 12:50 a.m. on January 1, a Ford Explorer carrying at least 12 gas canisters collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander as concertgoers were leaving the Kodak Center in Rochester, New York.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith said the violent collision created an inferno in a parking lot several blocks from the concert venue, and firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze for about an hour.
Officials told Fox News that the incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is involved in the investigation.
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At least two people have lost their lives in the aftermath of a car explosion in Rochester, New York. (ABC News)
Rochester Police Chief David Smith updated the public on the fatal car explosion that occurred on New Year's Day. (Rochester Police Department)
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Chief Smith said both Explorer occupants died at the scene, but the Outlander driver survived.
The chief said one of the five surviving victims had serious, life-threatening injuries.
Details are expected to be announced at a press conference Tuesday morning.
At least two people were killed on New Year's Day when a truck carrying more than a dozen gas canisters crashed into another car in Rochester, New York. (Harem Koyvaru, via ABC News)
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The explosion occurred as participants were returning from a concert by rock band Moe.
“The events outside the Kodak Center last night leave us all deeply shocked and saddened,” the group said in a later statement. “On a night that was supposed to be a celebration and togetherness, we are faced with a tragedy beyond comprehension. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and our hearts go out to those who were injured. I'll have a good time.”
