Local News
At least 34 injured, some critical, after Mexican Navy ship hits the Brooklyn Bridge
A sailing vessel operated by the Mexican Navy struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, resulting in at least 34 injuries, including four critical cases, according to New York City officials.
The incident occurred just before 8:30 p.m., when the ARM Cuauhtémoc, a historic tall ship used for naval training, collided with the base of the bridge during a maneuver along the East River.
The ship was participating in a routine training cruise, the Mexican Navy confirmed in a statement posted to social media.
A senior official told that approximately 277 individuals were aboard the Cuauhtémoc at the time of the crash.
Preliminary reports indicate that around 30 suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while four others were critically hurt.
Officials emphasized that these figures are subject to change as the investigation and medical evaluations continue.
Emergency response teams, including the NYPD, FDNY, and the New York City Office of Emergency Management, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The Brooklyn Bridge was temporarily closed in both directions to vehicle and pedestrian traffic while crews assessed the situation.
As of late Saturday evening, all lanes have since been reopened.
Inspectors are conducting a structural assessment of the bridge to determine if any damage occurred as a result of the collision.
Thus far, there has been no confirmation of significant structural compromise to the bridge itself.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was en route to the site to evaluate the situation firsthand.
In a public safety advisory, the NYPD urged residents and visitors to avoid the areas of Dumbo in Brooklyn and the South Street Seaport in Manhattan, as investigations and safety assessments remain ongoing.
The ARM Cuauhtémoc, named after the last Aztec emperor, is a barque-style tall ship that serves as a goodwill ambassador for Mexico and is often seen at international maritime festivals.
It is known for hosting international cadets and dignitaries during port visits.
Further updates will be provided as officials complete their assessments and continue interviews with those aboard.
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Da’Quarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. Da’Quarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.