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Urgent Rescue Operation After Man Falls from WWII Memorial Bridge

World War II Memorial Bridge in North Charleston

News Summary

On May 22, a 39-year-old man fell from the World War II Memorial Bridge in North Charleston, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation. Local authorities responded swiftly after a witness reported the incident. The man was located in pluff mud with back injuries and was transported to a hospital. This event has reignited concerns about safety on the bridge, which has seen multiple accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists over the years. Calls for improved safety measures are echoing from local advocacy groups.

North Charleston – An urgent search and rescue operation occurred late on May 22 after a man fell from the World War II Memorial Bridge, prompting a swift response from local authorities. The incident began when a 21-year-old woman driving over the bridge witnessed the fall and called 911 immediately, alerting emergency responders to the situation.

The man, 39 years old, was eventually found waist-deep in pluff mud near the concrete base of a bridge pylon, actively calling for help. The search commenced just after 9:40 p.m., involving multiple agencies, including the North Charleston fire and police departments, and Charleston police. The Coast Guard also contributed by deploying a 24-foot boat to search the waters below.

Upon locating the man, responders learned he had fallen from a lower portion of the bridge closer to the North Charleston bank. He had sustained back injuries, limiting his mobility. Firefighters aided in loading him onto a rescue gurney board for transportation back to the roadway. During this process, the man informed dispatchers that he had fallen from the bridge but could not see anything around him, emphasizing his urgency for assistance. In later reports, it was noted he smelled strongly of alcohol.

The World War II Memorial Bridge, which has a 50-foot drop to the river at its center, spans extensive marshlands on both sides. Notably, the bridge lacks designated pedestrian or bicycle paths, with a median curb dividing six lanes of traffic. This has raised significant safety concerns, as many individuals traverse the bridge not for leisure but to access essential resources or workplaces.

Statistics reveal alarming data regarding safety on the bridge; at least five bicyclists have been killed and several pedestrians injured over the past decade while attempting to cross. These incidents have highlighted ongoing safety issues related to non-vehicle commuters. The executive director of Charleston Moves, an organization advocating for improved transportation safety, has pointed out the urgent need to address these hazards.

Charleston Moves has consistently pushed for better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on the bridge, which has stood since 1926. Currently, a project known as “Better North Bridge” aims to enhance safety for non-vehicle commuters. However, this initiative faces funding challenges despite receiving high evaluations from federal officials, limiting immediate advancements in safety measures.

The man involved in the recent incident was transported to an area hospital for treatment following his rescue. As the community reflects on this event, the need for improved safety measures on the World War II Memorial Bridge becomes increasingly apparent, prompting calls for action to ensure the protection of pedestrians and cyclists in the future.