Emergency Response Underway After River Thames Incident
Five Metropolitan Police officers have been injured after a police boat collided with Westminster Bridge in central London.
The incident happened at around 15:40 BST and involved a vessel from the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit that was carrying armed officers.
The police confirmed that several officers entered the River Thames following the collision but were later rescued. Authorities said they were waiting for further updates on the seriousness of their injuries.
No members of the public are believed to have been injured or involved in the crash.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with police officers, firefighters, ambulances and rescue teams arriving near the bridge, which connects areas beside the Houses of Parliament and crosses the River Thames.
Officers Rescued From River Thames
Witnesses reported seeing officers being treated by paramedics on a rigid black inflatable boat positioned alongside the river.
The area around Westminster Bridge was closed off as emergency crews worked at the scene. Members of the public were cleared from the area, while a police cordon was placed at both ends of the bridge.
Vehicles including buses and coaches travelling across the bridge were forced to turn around and find alternative routes due to the emergency response.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force’s immediate priority was ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the injured officers.
“We understand five officers were injured and are receiving treatment,” the spokesperson said.
“We await an update on the extent of their injuries. At this stage, we don’t believe any members of the public were involved or injured.”
The force added that the circumstances surrounding the crash would be fully reviewed.
Multiple Emergency Agencies Assist
The London Fire Brigade confirmed it was responding to the incident alongside other emergency organisations.
A fire boat and three fire rescue units equipped with water rescue capabilities were deployed to assist with the operation.
The Port of London Authority also confirmed it was supporting the response, working alongside the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard and other emergency partners.
A police helicopter and air ambulance were seen operating above the area as emergency crews managed the situation.
Transport for London confirmed that some entrances to Westminster Underground station had been temporarily closed.
River transport services were also affected, with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers warning passengers that some services could experience delays or disruption.
Witnesses Describe Moment of Collision
Visitors from Chile, Cecilia Lusevic, 56, and her 12-year-old son Mateo Bilis-Lusevic, were on a river tour boat near Westminster Bridge when they witnessed the crash.
They said they heard a loud bang before seeing officers fall into the water.
Mateo described seeing two boats moving quickly along the river before the collision happened.
He said several people entered the water after the impact and emergency teams arrived shortly afterwards to rescue them.
The family said they were later evacuated from their tour boat as authorities secured the area.
A fire service vessel was later seen towing a black rigid police boat believed to be involved in the collision away from Westminster Bridge along the River Thames.
Authorities have not yet released further details about what caused the crash, but a full investigation into the incident is expected.
