Recently, there have been frequent incidents of people jumping off the Nan Zhonghuan Bridge in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. According to preliminary statistics by internet users, there have been over ten cases of people jumping off the bridge in the past ten days. Authorities have urgently closed the bridge and installed safety nets. At the same time, sales of anti-suicide safety nets have significantly increased. Citizens have expressed that due to unemployment or difficulties in paying mortgages, some individuals contemplate jumping off the bridge.
A widely circulated video shows an incident of bridge jumping on the Nan Zhonghuan Bridge in Taiyuan on the early morning of May 24th, attracting a crowd of onlookers.
Reports from “Cold and Warm Videos” state that personnel from the emergency management bureau in Jinyuan District, Taiyuan, claim that bridge jumping is due to personal reasons. Government officials from the Xiaodian District in Taiyuan also responded in a similar manner, stating that they cannot disclose specific details, and when asked about the deployment of personnel in the vicinity, the official mentioned being unaware.
Internet users have sarcastically commented, “Of course it’s a personal action, as if it could be a societal one.”
Many internet users have revealed that there have been frequent bridge jumping incidents in Taiyuan. According to posts from locals, “Eight or nine incidents have occurred in the past ten days.” “It’s been happening almost every other day for half a month, sometimes even twice a day. What’s going on with the youth nowadays?” “Why are they jumping one after another? What could be the reason?”
To avoid censorship, internet users use code words like “that” and “this” in videos to refer to “jumping off the bridge.” Preliminary statistics by internet users show that there have been 11 cases of bridge jumping in Taiyuan in the past ten days. From May 10th to 21st in Taiyuan alone, nine people died by jumping off a bridge. Additionally, on mainland social media platforms, it was revealed that between the 10th and 22nd, 11 people jumped off buildings, with six of them choosing the Yinzhe Bridge.
There are rumors circulating online that the authorities in Taiyuan have started to close roads and bridges. Comments like, “Yesterday, I saw the Blue Sky Rescue Team on duty at the Nan Zhonghuan Bridge.” “Uniformed personnel are now guarding the bridge 24/7.” “They are on high alert, guarding the bridge.”
On May 21st, Shanxi Television reported that starting from the 20th, the Yinzhe Street renovation project in Taiyuan was in progress, resulting in road and bridge closures. Internet users believe that the closure of the Yinzhe Bridge aims to prevent future bridge jumping incidents.
On May 23rd, internet users shared a video revealing that the Yinzhe Bridge had been closed off with barriers, preventing people from approaching it directly and avoiding “that” (referring to jumping off the bridge). There are also reports indicating that protective railings are being installed on the Yinzhe Bridge.
Comments from internet users express that the pressure of life has driven individuals to the brink of suicide. “The pressure of life nowadays is overwhelming, sigh.” “Society’s pressure is too much, there’s no other way, so they choose this.” “Everything in this world revolves around money, there’s no humanity or family bonds, and the psychological pressure is overwhelming.” “The average wage is 3000 yuan, yet the cost of living is high, there are problems with the business environment, bureaucratic practices, and so many other issues…”
Radio Free Asia reported on the 24th that a former teacher in Taiyuan, Ms. Wang, expressed how the economic downturn has left many people unemployed and struggling to pay off their bank loans, making life extremely difficult for the common people.
She said, “Some are very young, in their twenties. Some are burdened by loans for houses they bought that are now depreciating, which definitely triggers the urge for them to jump off a building.” “This deformed economic model has made life unbearable for many.”
According to reports, Lu Qiumei, a resident of Linyi, Shandong province, mentioned that there have been several incidents of people jumping off bridges in their area, including students and those unable to repay loans. Although not reported by official media, the public is aware of these incidents. Authorities have stationed personnel around bridges in Hubei, Taiyuan, among other places, day and night to prevent bridge jumpers. An employee from a company in Hebei that produces anti-suicide safety nets mentioned that demand for these nets has surged recently in order to prevent bridge jumping incidents.
Moreover, there are rumors circulating online about bridge jumping incidents at the People’s Bridge in Guangzhou, the Yongjiang Bridge in Nanning, Guangxi, and the Yangtze River Bridge in Chongqing. Internet users mentioned that patrol personnel on the Chongqing Yangtze River Bridge are stationed every fifty steps and continue patrolling late into the night.