A boat from the English Marine Policing Unit crashed into Westminster Bridge, injuring five police officers and causing several to fall into the River Thames, amid shock from many tourists and local residents.
The Metropolitan Police of London revealed the incident occurred at approximately 14:40 local time, when a boat from the Marine Policing Unit collided with Westminster Bridge, near the UK Parliament building and Big Ben clock tower. Several officers fell into the river but were safely rescued by emergency personnel and nearby boats.
Rescue workers rushed to treat the injured on an inflatable boat while a police helicopter circled overhead. Ambulances, fire trucks, and multiple rescue units responded, leading to a temporary closure of Westminster Bridge traffic. Crowds gathered to watch before police cordoned off the scene.
Later, the Metropolitan Police stated that among the injured, four officers remain hospitalized in serious condition but are expected to survive, while one officer sustained minor injuries. No civilians were hurt in the incident.
The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed. However, several witnesses consistently reported seeing two police boats speeding before hearing a loud crash, with one boat striking the bridge's base. Some believe the second boat might have lost control due to waves caused by the first boat, but this has not been officially verified.
Multiple media outlets reported that at the time, the police boats were en route to a rescue mission after being alerted to a person falling into the Thames, before the accident occurred.
The Port of London Authority stated it assisted in managing waterway traffic alongside the Metropolitan Police and the Coast Guard, pledging full cooperation in the investigation. The police confirmed a detailed review will be conducted to uncover the true cause of the accident.
Source:AP
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