HONG KONG — A 48-year-old man jumped from the Tsing Ma Bridge early Sunday morning, disappearing into the waters below, following an extended eight-hour negotiation attempt by police crisis experts. The incident, centered on one of Hong Kong’s major transportation arteries, began Saturday evening after the man suddenly halted a taxi ride and positioned himself outside the bridge’s protective railings.
Police and emergency services launched an immediate search operation in the waters surrounding the bridge, but as of midday Sunday, authorities had not yet located the individual. The man, identified by the surname Dong, departed the bridge structure around 3:46 a.m. Sunday morning, according to police reports, culminating an intensive rescue and counseling effort that began hours earlier.
Dramatic Standoff Paralyzes Major Thoroughfare
The series of events began around 7 p.m. Saturday when Mr. Dong, reportedly traveling from the Shek Wai Kok Shopping Centre in Tsuen Wan, hired a taxi bound for Tung Chung. As the cab drove along the bridge’s middle lane toward the airport, he allegedly asked the 67-year-old driver to shift to the far left lane to “appreciate the scenery.”
When he then demanded the driver stop—a request refused initially—Mr. Dong reportedly became distraught, kicking the door and demanding to exit the vehicle. The driver, identified by the surname Choi, eventually complied, pulling over. Upon exiting the vehicle, Mr. Dong proceeded to scale the inner guardrail and positioned himself precariously on the outside of the main railing overlooking the Ma Wan Channel.
The taxi driver immediately alerted emergency services. Police, fire, and ambulance units quickly arrived, sealing off the area and one traffic lane as specialized negotiators were dispatched. Despite prolonged efforts led by police negotiation teams to counsel and de-escalate the situation throughout the night, Mr. Dong remained unmoved.
Personal Struggles Preceded Tragedy
Authorities confirmed that they contacted Mr. Dong’s family following the initial response, revealing recent personal distress that may have contributed to his actions. Police recovered personal items belonging to Mr. Dong in the surrounding waters early Sunday morning, aiding in his positive identification.
Family sources indicated that Mr. Dong’s 21-year-old son was recently hospitalized at Kwai Chung Hospital following a relapse of schizophrenia, a condition diagnosed in 2023 that requires ongoing social work support. Mr. Dong had recently confided in his wife that he had resigned from his job to better assume a full-time caregiving role for his son amidst the crisis.
The incident underscores the profound emotional and mental health toll that intense caregiving responsibilities can impose, particularly when compounded by sudden family health crises. While the search for Mr. Dong continues, the event serves as a stark reminder of available resources dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention in the region.
Organizations offer immediate, confidential support for individuals facing severe distress or mental health challenges. Readers experiencing similar crises are urged to seek immediate help:
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources in Hong Kong:
- “Emotional Support” Mental Health Hotline (情緒通): 18111
- The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong: 2389 2222
- Suicide Prevention Services: 2382 0000
- Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre: 18288
(Note: The search operation is ongoing, and authorities have not provided further updates on the missing person’s status.)
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