Search Continues After Man Jumps From Braga Bridge in Fall River [VIDEO]
FALL RIVER - Multiple agencies searched by air and sea Thursday afternoon after a man jumped off of the Braga Bridge.
Massachusetts State Police confirm that a male traveling in the westbound lanes of the bridge on I-195 stopped his vehicle on the bridge around 3 p.m., exited the car, and scaled the protective fencing before plunging 135 feet into the Taunton River below.
The incident was immediately reported to authorities by fellow motorists, initiating an hours-long search for any sign of the man. The Fall River Police and Fire Departments responded with marine units, with the U.S. Coast Guard, State Police, and towns of Portsmouth and Tiverton, Rhode Island, aiding in the search as well. The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing Unit was also called to the Taunton River to search from above. Civilian vessels decided to pitch in, too, searching for any sign of the man who had jumped from the Braga Bridge.
The man is described as a white male, approximately 30 years old, wearing a black shirt and khaki shorts.
Traffic on the bridge is now proceeding normally, but had been backed up for miles for the better part of an hour immediately following the incident.
Emergency personnel continue to search for the man.