Mexican Navy ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge; 2 dead and several injured
On Saturday night, May 17, a tall sailing ship from the Mexican navy hit the Brooklyn Bridge; several persons were injured and rescue efforts are underway.
New Delhi (India) May 18: Two individuals were killed Saturday night when a huge Mexican Navy ship named Cuauhtémoc hit the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
The Cuauhtémoc is a Mexican Navy training ship and a symbol of Mexico’s diplomacy. The ship, called the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” was travelling to Iceland at the time of the accident as it began a global goodwill tour in New York.
The ship reportedly lost control and its tall masts collided with the bridge's roadbed at approximately 7:30 p.m on Saturday, May 17.
The 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer any major damage in the accident. Investigations are underway to determine what caused the accident.
At the time of the incident, 277 persons were on board the ship. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that 19 individuals suffered injuries, including two people who died.
Adams said, “Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries.”
But in a post on social media platform X, Mexico's Ministry of Navy said that 19 of the 22 crew members who were injured were undergoing medical treatment.
"The Cuauhtémoc had been on a training manoeuvre at the time and was damaged in the 'mishap.”
“The Ministry of the Navy reaffirms its commitment to the safety of its personnel, transparency in its operations and excellence in the training of future officers of the Mexican Navy.”
The Mexican Navy admitted that the collision had damaged the ship.
According to the New York Fire Department, they were responding to reports of injuries suffered in the military ship's collision with Brooklyn Bridge.
City officials have stated that the ship may have hit the bridge due to "mechanical issues," although they highlighted that this information is still preliminary. The cause of the crash is still being looked into.
The Brooklyn Bridge was temporarily closed while rescue workers responded to the incident but it was reopened after 40 minutes.
Aadrika Tayal
What's Your Reaction?
