Additional Coverage:
Police Boat Collides with Westminster Bridge in Central London, Injuring Five Officers
LONDON – A police boat crashed into Westminster Bridge on Friday, sending officers into the River Thames and resulting in injuries to five crew members, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Emergency responders treated the injured officers on a black inflatable boat while a police helicopter hovered nearby, close to the iconic clock tower that houses Big Ben.
Details about the circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and the Metropolitan Police have announced a thorough investigation into the incident.
Eyewitness Mateo Bilis-Lusevic, a 12-year-old visitor from Chile, recounted the moment from a nearby tour boat. “Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water,” he said.
“Suddenly, I heard a boom. Then three people went flying into the water, and one of the people was really hurt.”
He estimated that the officers remained in the water for about 10 minutes, with one being thrown a life ring for rescue.
Authorities have not released updates on the severity of the injuries. Officials confirmed no civilians were involved or injured in the accident.
The crash drew a large crowd as ambulances and fire crews arrived at the scene. The bridge was closed to traffic during emergency response efforts but has since been cleared.
A spokesperson for the Port of London Authority stated they are assisting in managing river traffic and coordinating with the Metropolitan Police and Coastguard.