Firefighters thwart suicide attempt on the Hermanos Patiño Bridge and traffic collapses during rush hour

Santiago.- A man was rescued this Friday by members of the Fire Department and Civil Defense after attempting to jump from the highest part of the Hermanos Patiño Bridge, an incident that forced the restriction of traffic and caused severe traffic congestion in one of the main arteries of the city.

The incident occurred after 12:00 noon, when the individual not yet identified by the authorities climbed onto the structure of the viaduct and threatened to jump into the waters of the Yaque del Norte River. The rapid intervention of the rescue organizations prevented the situation from ending in tragedy.

During the operation, emergency units cordoned off the area while rescuers carried out persuasion efforts to convince the man to desist. The restriction of passage in both directions generated long traffic jams that extended towards alternate routes in the center and the south zone of Santiago.

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Dozens of people gathered around the bridge, increasing the tension at the scene. The firefighters managed to secure the individual and bring them to safety, and they were transported to receive medical attention and specialized evaluation.

So far, the authorities have not offered details about her health condition nor have they reported whether family members have been located.

The incident reopens the debate on the need to reinforce prevention and surveillance measures on the Hermanos Patiño Bridge, a structure that in recent years has been the scene of similar situations, generating constant concern among citizens and drivers who travel daily through the area. Traffic was gradually restored after the operation concluded.