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In a tragic turn of events, a Mexican Navy sailboat carrying 277 people collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, leading to the deaths of two individuals and injuring over a dozen others, officials reported. The accident unfolded at approximately 8:30 p.m. and has since been attributed to a mechanical failure that left the vessel powerless against the strong currents, New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed.

The collision with the bridge caused at least 19 injuries, four of which are considered serious. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed early Sunday that two people had succumbed to their injuries, and two more were in critical condition. "We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action," Mayor Adams stated, highlighting the swift response of various emergency services.

NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles detailed that the captain lost control of the vessel when it suffered a power and mechanical failure, causing it to drift into one of the bridge’s pillars. This impact was severe enough to cause injuries to some sailors on board, as the ship’s masts struck the bridge. Several crew members were seen dangling from the masts following the collision, as captured by numerous cell phone videos from nearby spectators.

Despite the dramatic visuals and the severity of the incident, officials have confirmed that no one fell into the water during the crash. Authorities also conducted preliminary inspections and found no structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge, which has since been reopened to traffic, much to the relief of city commuters.

The sailboat was on its way from Pier 17 to Iceland when the incident occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun their investigation into the crash, and early findings suggest a mechanical fault was indeed responsible.

While this accident has caused considerable turmoil, Mayor Adams reassured the public that measures are being taken to ensure safety and thanked the first responders for their prompt and effective action. As investigations continue, the city remains on high alert to avoid any further incidents.