Full Breakdown
Police Boat Collision on Westminster Bridge Injures Five Officers
7/25/2026, 12:18:18 PM
Incident Overview
On July 24, 2026 at approximately 3:45 p.m., a vessel from the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge, the historic crossing over the River Thames adjacent to the Houses of Parliament. The impact threw three armed officers into the water; all were recovered by nearby river users. Five officers in total sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no members of the public were involved or injured.
Response and Emergency Operations
Metropolitan Police officials activated a multi-agency response that included the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and a police helicopter with an air-ambulance. A police cordon sealed off both ends of the bridge, halting vehicular traffic and prompting the closure of entrances 3 and 4 at Westminster Underground station.
Eyewitness Accounts
Visitors on a Thames sightseeing boat reported hearing a loud “boom” followed by the sight of officers falling into the river.
A U.S. couple, Jim Bagley and his wife, observed an orange boat creating a large wake that appeared to push the police vessel into the bridge structure.
Injuries and Medical Status
The Metropolitan Police reported that one officer has been discharged, while the remaining four remain in hospital with “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.” This assessment was echoed by a Met official quoted by RTE.
Transport Disruption
The incident forced the temporary shutdown of Westminster Bridge to all traffic. Transport for London closed tube station entrances 3 and 4, rerouted bus services, and cancelled the RB1 river service operated by Thames Clippers.
Investigation
Metropolitan Police officials announced that the circumstances of the collision will be “thoroughly reviewed.” The Marine Accident Investigation Branch and internal professional-standards units are expected to examine speed logs, radio communications, and tidal conditions to determine the cause of the impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At around 3.45pm on Friday July 24 a boat from the Met's Marine Policing Unit struck Westminster Bridge. A number of officers entered the water but were recovered.” — Metropolitan Police spokesperson
- “Two boats were riding extremely fast through the water. Suddenly, I heard a boom.” — News PK Mateo Bilis-Lusevic
- “The four officers who remain in hospital have serious but non-life-threatening injuries,” — Met official
- “Our thoughts are with all those involved, in particular our officers who were injured and those who responded in challenging circumstances.” — Met Commander Nick John, said met official
- “We are aware of an incident involving a police vessel at Westminster Bridge. We are supporting the response by providing river traffic management assistance where needed and are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard and partner agencies to manage the situation.” — Metropolitan Police spokesperson
