Man survives fall from Overlanders Bridge

May 27, 2016 | 12:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — RCMP say a 25 year old man is okay after falling from the Overlanders Bridge into the Thompson River this morning.

At about 8:20, several witnesses called 9-1-1 to report the man hanging from the bridge.

He dropped just as officers arrived.

Paramedics took the man to Royal Inland Hospital for assessment, but he did not have any physical injuries.

Corporal Jodi Shelkie says police can’t say for certain whether the man was trying to end his life, but it appeared his actions were purposeful.

“We can’t determine what the motivation was, but it did appear that he purposefully stepped over the railing of the bridge and let go of the bridge,” said Cpl. Shelkie.

Shelkie adds it would be extremely unsafe for a thrill-seeker to use the Overlanders as a jumping point.

“It’s not a recreational bridge for that type of activity, and it is very dangerous. It is a fast-moving river, it’s deep, there are a lot of hazards in it. There is a lot of risks to ever jumping off any bridge, but especially the Overlanders.”