NEW YORK – A massive Mexican navy sailing ship making a festive visit to New York hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, with multiple people on board injured, local media reported.

The vessel involved was reportedly the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc, carrying 277 people.

A fire department official said that three individuals were critically injured while another 17 were in serious condition.

Videos posted on social media reveal that the ship’s 147-foot masts were too tall to pass safely under the bridge.

The ship was scheduled to return to New York in July 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, according to media reports.

Following the collision, New York Police Department warned on social platform X that people should avoid the areas around the Brooklyn Bridge due to the ongoing investigation, heavy traffic and a significant emergency response presence.

As a result, all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge are currently closed in both directions. PNA/Xinhua