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Jetski accident kills two American students in Copenhagen – UPDATED with news of vigil tonight
Ben Hamilton
May 7th, 2017
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This article is more than 7 years old.
Young women were studying at DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
It could only be linked to ‘Langbro Bridge’ (photo: Wiebevl)
Two female American students lost their lives yesterday after jetskis collided with their boat in Copenhagen Harbour at around 19:45.
It is believed that both women were students at DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia, and that they were celebrating the conclusion of their spring semester ahead of returning home over the next week.
According to one report, at least one of the young women had family members present.
Six injured, eight arrested
In total, six other people were injured in the collision near Langebro Bridge, which links HC Andersens Boulevard (between Tivoli and Rådhuspladsen) to Amager Boulevard.
The two women’s boat was rammed by one or more jetskis, and it is reported that several jetski riders fled the scene.
Jetskiing is illegal in the harbour, as well as water skiing and windsurfing, and the police have already arrested nine people who they suspect were involved in the accident, reports DR.
UPDATED STORY, 14:00:
DIS has issued a statement today to confirm that two of its female American students died in the accident yesterday. One died at the scene and another later at hospital.
Seven of its students were on the boat hit by a jetski on Saturday evening, but while the other five were all injured, they have all now been released from hospital.
“This incident is incredibly difficult,” read the DIS statement.
“DIS is a strong community and the ties to these students involved in the accident are broad and deep. DIS is focused on individual support and counsellors are available to all students.”
The families and universities of the deceased have been notified.
Counselling has been offer to all the students involved, as well as to those who knew the victims.
UPDATED STORY, 16:40:
A vigil for the victims is being held at 20:00 tonight.
It would appear to be taking place outside the office of GoBoat, the rental company that the party of DIS students hired the vessel from.
The office is located at Islands Brygge 10. For more details, visit here.
Meanwhile, according to media reports, one of the deceased studied at Pomona College in California and the other was from Stonehill College in Massachusetts.
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