Taxi Driver's Instinct Saves Woman in Her 20s on Incheon Bridge

Taxi Driver Anticipates Suicide Attempt and Alerts Authorities, Leading to Rescue
Incheon Bridge to Install Safety Railings with 8 Billion Won in National Funding

A woman attempting to jump from Incheon Bridge was rescued thanks to the quick thinking of a taxi driver.

On November 1, the Incheon Fire Headquarters reported that at 11:08 p.m. the previous day, they received a report that a woman in her 20s, identified as Ms. A, a taxi passenger, had jumped from the bridge about 2 kilometers from the Yeongjong Interchange toward the Yeonsu Junction on Incheon Bridge.

It was reported that the taxi driver, suspecting a possible suicide attempt when the passenger requested to get out at that location, called the authorities just in case.

The rescue team from Yeongjong Fire Station arrived at the scene at 11:17 p.m. and found Ms. A in the water. They began the rescue operation using a rescue tube and, after 30 minutes, used a crane to pull her out. Ms. A was then transported to a nearby hospital.

Authorities stated that Ms. A survived because she jumped from a relatively low section at the entrance of Incheon Bridge. She was conscious and breathing but complained of hypothermia, according to the fire department.

Recently, a series of suicide attempts and accidents have occurred on Incheon Bridge, prompting authorities to consider installing fall-prevention facilities. In November 2022, the bridge operator spent 40 million won to place 1,500 plastic drums along the shoulder at locations with frequent incidents. However, the drums compromised the original function of the shoulder and posed traffic safety risks. Despite these measures, more than 10 fatalities occurred in 2023 alone, indicating the prevention efforts were ineffective. As a result, the drums were removed in August.

Nevertheless, on September 9, 22, and 25, a total of four people stopped their vehicles and jumped, resulting in deaths or missing persons. In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, along with Incheon City and related agencies, are planning to install safety railings with a budget of 8 billion won in national funds to prevent falls. The ministry has already included this in next year’s main budget and is awaiting adjustments during the National Assembly's budget review process. However, even if the project proceeds without delays, the installation is expected to be completed only after the second half of next year.

Since the bridge opened in 2009, a total of 89 people have jumped from Incheon Bridge: 67 died, 14 remain missing, and 8 survived.

If you are struggling with depression or difficult thoughts, or know someone who is, you can receive 24-hour expert counseling by calling the suicide prevention hotline at 109 or through the 'Madeleine' SNS counseling service.