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A Fleet Of Truck Drivers Help Stop Man From Jumping From Overpass

A Fleet Of Truck Drivers Help Stop Man From Jumping From Overpass

The man was eventually talked down after a three hour stand off

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Police shut down all eight lanes of the I-696 in Detroit, Michigan after they received calls saying a man was on an overpass threatening to jump.

But officers came up with a brilliant way to help the unnamed man come down from the ledge by setting up a bevvy of trucks across all lanes.

This row of semitrailers set up just underneath the bridge and they came from around the state after Michigan State Police made the call out.

It eventually worked because after a three-hour stand-off, the man was talked off the ledge.

American Trucking Association spokesman Sean McNally told Detroit News: "The photo makes us so proud and shows quick thinking. It also shows how our industry works with law enforcement to keep our highways safe and the quality of people we have driving."

When the man stepped off the overpass, he was taken into custody without incident, which is standard operating procedure, before being transported to Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak for treatment.

Huntington Woods Police Department Sergeant Jason Brockdorff told reporters: "We try to [organise the trucks] every time, to lessen the distance someone would travel if they were to jump.

"Fortunately, that didn't happen."

People who have seen pictures of the row of semitrailers on social media have praised the truckers for their quick action and for helping save a man's life.

Suzanna wrote: "If you only knew how much this means. Thank you."

Fox 2

While Rachel said: "Seeing stuff like this makes me proud to be a truck drivers daughter. Way to go big rigs! Some people may not get it but y'all are the backbone of America."

Canaan added: "And that is the way trucking used to be. Proud of my brothers and sisters today!

Such an awesome display of solidarity between truckers and the police and they ended up saving a person's life.

'U OK M8?' is an initiative from LADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which features a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.

Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.

MIND: 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans: 116 123.

CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.

Mental Health Foundation

Australians can call Lifeline on 131114, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 18000 or visit the National Centre Against Bullying website.

Featured Image Credit: Fox 2 Detroit

Topics: Police, Awesome, Mental Health