Bridge parachute jump sparks emergency

Julie Gilbert • Published 11 Aug 2010 13:00

AN adrenaline junkie played Russian Roulette with his life when he jumped off the Erskine Bridge on Saturday night and parachuted to the ground.

It may be the first case of an illegal activity, known as Base Jumping, to have occurred in the area.

The so-called extreme sport involves jumping off high structures and only opening a parachute at the last minute and there is an obvious risk of death or serious injury.

Emergency services were deployed to the bridge - including a Navy Sea King Helicopter - as the man was spotted sometime between 10pm and 11pm.

It is believed the jumper may have had people helping him.

One Old Kilpatrick resident who witnessed the emergency response believes the jumper landed on the ground rather than in the River Clyde.

He told the Post: “I spotted the emergency services on the bridge at about 11pm.

“Navy Sea King was scrambled and on the scene within about twenty minutes and made a few passes under the bridge.

“A fire rescue boat was also in attendance.

“The six or so police vehicles and two fire engines which arrived briefly on the Bridge were nearer to the Erskine side and I would reckon they were not directly over the water.

“They all stood down when it was confirmed that the people involved were seen walking away.”

Clydebank MSP Des McNulty described the stunt as being in poor taste.

He said: “I think this is totally irresponsible and unacceptable.

“There has been a huge waste of the time of the police and fire services as a result of this, the cost of which should not be borne by the general public but really should be laid at the door of the individual concerned."

A police spokesman said enquiries were continuing into the matter.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 11 Aug 10

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