A police boat accident on Westminster Bridge has left five officers injured after their vessel struck the historic London landmark. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 3:40 PM on Friday afternoon, involving a boat from the marine policing unit. Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and ambulance crews, responded swiftly to the scene on the River Thames.
Witnesses described hearing a loud bang as the police boat crashed into the bridge. Cecilia Lusevic, 56, and her son Mateo Bilis-Lusevic, 12, were on a tour boat nearby and saw the collision. Mateo stated, "Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water. Suddenly, I heard a boom. Then three people went flying into the water." The officers were in the water for an estimated ten minutes before being rescued.
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Emergency Response and Injuries
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that five officers were injured and are receiving treatment. At this stage, no members of the public were involved or injured. The London Fire Brigade deployed its fire boat and three fire engines, while the RNLI treated casualties on a moored boat. A police helicopter and air ambulance circled above, and traffic across Westminster Bridge came to a standstill.
Marine Policing Unit Incident
The boat involved belongs to the marine policing unit, which patrols the Thames. The circumstances of the incident will be thoroughly reviewed, but the priority remains the wellbeing of the officers. This event highlights the dangers faced by emergency personnel operating on busy waterways.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, approximately 3:40 PM |
| Location | Westminster Bridge, London |
| Vehicle | Police boat (marine policing unit) |
| Injuries | Five officers injured |
| Public Involvement | None |
Key Takeaways from the Accident
- Five police officers were injured after their boat struck Westminster Bridge.
- Emergency services from multiple agencies responded, including the RNLI and London Fire Brigade.
- Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing officers thrown into the water.
- Traffic on Westminster Bridge was halted, and a cordon was established.
- An investigation into the cause of the collision is underway.
FAQ
What caused the police boat to crash into Westminster Bridge?
The exact cause is under investigation. The Metropolitan Police has stated that the circumstances will be thoroughly reviewed. Initial reports suggest the boat was traveling at high speed.
How many officers were injured in the incident?
Five officers were injured. They are receiving medical treatment, and updates on their condition are expected soon.
Were any members of the public hurt?
No members of the public were involved or injured, according to the Metropolitan Police. The incident was confined to the police boat crew.
What emergency services responded to the scene?
The London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, RNLI, and a police helicopter and air ambulance all responded. A large cordon was set up on Westminster Bridge.
This police boat accident on Westminster Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by marine policing units. As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Stay tuned for further updates on the recovery of the injured officers and the official findings.