New York, May 18 (HS): Two individuals were killed and at least 19 others injured when the Mexican Navy training sailboat Cuauhtémoc crashed into New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge, according to Mayor Eric Adams. The vessel reportedly lost power shortly before the incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, with a total of 277 people on board during its goodwill visit. Footage revealed the Cuauhtémoc’s masts striking the bridge while its crew members were stationed atop them; the masts subsequently broke and fell onto the deck. Mayor Adams confirmed the fatalities and noted that among the injured, two are in critical condition. While the Mexican Navy initially reported 22 injuries, all personnel aboard were accounted for, and the injured were promptly taken to the hospital.

The New York Coast Guard stated that the Cuauhtémoc had lost the top of two masts, while US officials indicated that no significant damage occurred to the Brooklyn Bridge and nobody fell into the water. The New York Police Department’s chief of operations suggested mechanical issues led to the power outage and subsequent collision with a bridge pillar. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency vehicles arrived, with one bystander noting the extent of the damage and the rush to assist the injured. The area around the Brooklyn Bridge was advised to be avoided due to heavy traffic and emergency response presence. The Cuauhtémoc, measuring 297 feet long, embarked from Acapulco on April 6, and was en route to Iceland.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar