14 injured in commuter boat collision with pier

Four passengers had to be taken to hospital after a river boat crashed into a pier on the Thames.

The Thames Clipper service boat, popular with tourists and commuters, was carrying more than 50 passengers when it hit Tower Millennium Pier as it was mooring outside the Tower of London at about 7pm yesterday.

Fourteen people were injured including one man flung from his wheelchair. One person suffered a broken jaw, two had suspected spinal injuries and two were left with head injuries.

The pier is today being repaired and the boat, Moon Clipper, has been taken out of service.

Police said they are investigating the cause of the accident together with the Port of London Authority and the Maritime Investigation Branch but that no arrests had been made.

A Met spokesman said: "Four people were taken to hospital for minor injuries. A small number of people were treated at the scene."

The PLA said there were 57 on board, including four crew. The Thames Clipper service, run by TfL, carries more than 7,000 passengers a day.