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A scene that could have ended in tragedy occurred on Saturday morning in Miami when a woman fell from the Brickell Avenue drawbridge just as she was attempting to cross it. The bridge began to lift unexpectedly with the woman still on it, resulting in a fall that was captured by witnesses and cameras.
NBC News and Local 10 reported that the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m., on one of the key roads that connects downtown Miami to the popular Brickell neighborhood, where many Cubans and Latin Americans live and travel.
According to witnesses, the woman “was trying to climb the bridge” when it began to rise. “She held onto the edge and fell,” described Conor Walsh, who witnessed the incident.
In the video at the moment, the woman is seen trying to maintain her balance on the sloped bridge until she loses her stability.
Emergency teams arrived within minutes. One of the rescuers was injured during the assistance, suffering a cut that required medical attention at the hospital. The woman was also urgently transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital. So far, there has been no official information regarding her identity, age, or health status.
The authorities continue to investigate the case, while conflicting accounts emerge regarding the woman's behavior prior to the accident. The bridge operator stated that the victim was “making a scene”, while witnesses claim to have seen her “dancing and playing”.
Beyond the speculation, what has happened raises questions about the security of the drawbridges in Miami, the attention given to individuals in mental health crises, and the speed at which decisions are made that can put lives at risk.
“It was very difficult to keep her still and prevent the situation from worsening,” Walsh explained about the moment when the police arrived.
According to the regulations of the Code of Federal Regulations, some of the drawbridges in Miami, such as the Brickell Avenue bridge, have specific opening times, especially during peak hours, to prevent traffic congestion, while others, such as the SW 2 Avenue bridge, are not required to open at certain times of the day.
Frequently asked questions about the incident at the Brickell bridge
How did the accident on the Brickell Bridge happen?
The accident occurred when a woman was attempting to cross the drawbridge on Brickell Avenue and it unexpectedly began to rise, causing the woman to lose her balance and fall. She was taken to the hospital with injuries, although her current health status has not been officially reported.
What safety measures are in place for the drawbridges in Miami?
The drawbridges in Miami, such as the one on Brickell Avenue, have specific opening hours, particularly during peak times to prevent traffic congestion. However, the safety of these bridges has been called into question following the incident, reopening the debate on the need to improve security measures and support for people in mental crisis.
What is known about the woman's behavior before the accident on the Brickell Bridge?
There are conflicting accounts regarding the woman's behavior before the accident. The bridge operator indicated that the victim was "making a scene", while some witnesses claim they saw her "dancing and playing." Authorities continue to investigate the incident to clarify the circumstances.
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