A Burnham-On-Sea man has been hailed a hero after he prevented a suicidal woman jumping off an M5 motorway bridge into passing traffic below on Monday afternoon (July 21st).
Nigel Smith, pictured, was travelling from Burnham to East Huntspill at 4.30pm when he spotted the woman in her 60s scrambling over the rails of the bridge, close to Highbridge’s Isleport Industrial Estate.
He immediately stopped his car and ran over to the lady, who had one leg over the railings, and pulled her to safety before police arrived to restrain her.
Police spokesman Wayne Baker confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Police were called to the scene at 4.38pm. A member of the public had pulled the lady to safety from the edge of the bridge and restrained her.”
Without his quick action, the distressed lady could have plunged down into the path of passing traffic below.
Mr Smith told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The lady already had one leg on the railings when I noticed her and was lifting up her second leg. I dived out of the car and grabbed her, pulling her backwards.”
“She collapsed onto the ground but seemed to be intent on jumping and tried again to get up and reach the edge.”
“Several other motorists stopped, including a first aider called Sue, and we managed to reassure and calm the lady and prevent her from doing anything foolish.”
Mr Smith, who is a Burnham Coastguard and therefore well used to life-saving, said he just did what came naturally.
“I did it without thinking. Given my work as a Coastguard I have that mindset, but I expect many other people would have done the same thing.”
The lady – who was in a distressed state – was staying in the area during a holiday from Wales. She was taken away to be given specialist care and treatment.
Pictured above is the scene of Monday’s incident with Nigel Smith (beneath)
