Too-hot trucker jumps off bridge on Dutch highway, causing great alarm
Those in the Netherlands in life threatening danger should immediately dial 112 for emergencies, and anyone suffering from depression or contemplating suicide can call 113 Zelfmoordpreventie at any time by dialing either 113 or 0800-0113, or by visiting 113.nl.
A Hungarian trucker seeking some relief from the hot summer weather caused great alarm in Dordrecht on Tuesday when he parked his truck on the shoulder of the A16 highway and jumped off the Moerdijk Bridge. The emergency services, thinking it was a suicide attempt, responded in great numbers, the Dordrecht police wrote on Instagram.
The police, including a police helicopter, the fire brigade, an ambulance, and the sea rescue institute KNRM, responded to the scene. When they arrived, the man had already been brought to the shore by a passing boatman.
With a suicide attempt in mind, the police spoke with the driver. But it turned out that he jumped off the bridge and into the water for a completely different reason. The day was too hot, and he needed to cool down.
”He decided to park his truck on the shoulder and jump off the Moerdijk Bridge into the Hollands Diep, only to discover it was a bit dangerous after all,” the police said. “The truck driver learned another life lesson and received a fine for parking on the hard shoulder and jumping off a bridge. We’re glad this incident ended well.”
