Emergency Services Called To St Katherine’s Pier
Nine people have been injured after a City Cruises-operated pleasure boat thought to be the Millennium Diamond collided with Tower Bridge in London at lunchtime today (June 4th).
According to London Ambulance Service, emergency services including three ambulance crews and a hazardous response team were called to the scene of the incident at St Katherine’s Pier at 11.59am.
A 64-year-old woman suffered pelvic and head injuries and was taken to the Royal London Hospital for treatment, while four other women were also taken to the same hospital for minor injuries.
Two other people were reported to be making their own way to hospital, while two other women were checked at the scene.
The bridge remained open to traffic and pedestrians while emergency services were at the scene.
Expert Opinion
It is very worrying to see these reports and it is vital that all of those affected get the urgent support they need following the collision. <br/> <br/>"Our experience from acting for the families of many victims of marine accidents – including the Marchioness tragedy on the Thames, the Al Dana Dhow disaster off the coast of Bahrain and the Costa Concordia tragedy, means we are well aware of the physical and psychological trauma which people can suffer and it is vital that all of those involved get timely support. <br/> <br/>"We expect that the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), which is a specialist team within the Department for Transport, will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident. Injured passengers will no doubt want to understand exactly what caused the pleasure boat to collide with the Pier. <br/> <br/>"It is too early to determine whether criminal proceedings will be commenced against any party as a result of this incident, but as well as ultimately wanting justice to be done, those passengers who have suffered physical or psychological injuries are also likely to want steps to be taken to minimise the risk of others being injured in similar circumstances in the future." Colin Ettinger - Consultant