A potentially tragic incident unfolded on Saturday morning in Miami when a woman fell from the Brickell Avenue drawbridge just as she was attempting to cross it. The bridge unexpectedly began to rise while she was still on it, leading to a fall captured by onlookers and cameras.
According to reports from NBC News and Local 10, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. The bridge is a crucial route connecting downtown Miami with the popular Brickell neighborhood, home to many Cubans and Latin Americans.
Witnesses described the scene as the woman "tried to climb the bridge" when it began to lift. "She grabbed onto the edge and fell," recounted Conor Walsh, who saw the event unfold.
Video footage shows the woman struggling to keep her balance on the inclined bridge before ultimately losing her footing. Emergency teams arrived within minutes. During the rescue operation, one of the responders sustained an injury that required hospital treatment. The woman was also rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, though her identity, age, and health status remain undisclosed.
Authorities are still investigating the incident, with conflicting accounts emerging about the woman's behavior before the accident. The bridge operator claimed the woman was "causing a commotion," while some witnesses reported seeing her "dancing and playing."
Regardless of the differing reports, the situation raises renewed questions about safety measures on Miami's drawbridges, the handling of individuals experiencing mental health crises, and the swiftness of decisions that can endanger lives.
"It was very challenging to keep her calm and prevent the situation from worsening," Walsh explained regarding the moment police arrived.
According to the Federal Regulations Code, some Miami drawbridges, like the one on Brickell Avenue, have specific opening schedules, particularly during peak hours to prevent traffic congestion. In contrast, others, such as the bridge on SW 2 Avenue, are not required to open at set times of the day.
FAQs on Miami Drawbridge Safety and Protocols
What happened to the woman on the Brickell drawbridge?
The woman fell from the Brickell drawbridge as it unexpectedly began to rise while she was crossing. She was subsequently taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment.
How do Miami drawbridges operate during peak hours?
Certain drawbridges in Miami, like the Brickell Avenue bridge, follow specific opening schedules during peak hours to avoid traffic jams. Others, such as the SW 2 Avenue bridge, do not have such restrictions.