A police boat transporting armed officers collided near Westminster Bridge in the heart of London, resulting in five officers getting injured, with four of them sustaining serious injuries and falling into the River Thames.
Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the central London location, with the RNLI seen providing aid to the casualties on a boat docked at the pier. A significant presence of police officers, fire brigade personnel, and ambulances converged at the scene, causing traffic to halt on the bridge and disrupting Underground services.
Metropolitan Police Commander Nick John expressed concern for the individuals involved, particularly the injured officers and the responders facing challenging conditions. The four officers still in hospital have severe but not life-threatening wounds, with assurance given for their comprehensive support during recovery.
The police boat, a property of the force, was en route to a reported water incident upstream when the collision occurred. Three officers were thrown into the river but were rescued by nearby boaters. The Met Police confirmed that five officers were injured, receiving initial treatment on-site before being hospitalized, with one already discharged.
Fortunately, no members of the public were harmed during the collision. Westminster Bridge has since reopened for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The incident drew attention from witnesses, including a couple from the United States who described hearing a loud crash and witnessing the aftermath of the collision.
The Metropolitan Police and other emergency services continue to manage the situation, with ongoing investigations into the circumstances leading to the collision. Westminster Bridge, a popular tourist spot in London, remains closed in sections as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of all those involved in the incident.
