Man, 20, falls to his death from A48 Briton Ferry bridge on New Year's Day
A MAN plunged to his death from the A48 bridge at Briton Ferry in a New Year’s Day tragedy.
The fatality, the latest in a series of incidents involving the bridge and neighbouring M4 bridge, has shocked the Briton Ferry area and triggered renewed calls for safety measures to be put into place.
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Sad... Briton Ferry councillor Hugh James
Briton Ferry councillor Hugh James heard about the death, which occurred during the early hours of New Year’s Day, while out walking that same morning.
“It’s very sad,” he said, “and all the more so because it involves someone so young.
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“I don’t know how many jumps we have had off these two bridges over the years.
“The worrying part is that it has become too regular an occurrence to have tragedies such as this.
“The hearts of the entire community go out to the family of the young man involved.”
A police spokesman said: “South Wales Police can confirm the sudden death of a 20 year-old male from the Briton Ferry area.
“At around 1.44am on Tuesday, January 1, the male sustained fatal injuries after falling from the A48 Briton Ferry bridge.
“Officers were dispatched to provide assistance to the male who was seen in the area on CCTV.
“There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed.”
Last August, 36-year-old Gareth Joseph, from Briton Ferry, died after falling from the A48 bridge at Briton Ferry.
Six months earlier, Paul Burke, 33, from Pontyclun, fell to his death from the M4 bridge.
There have been several other incidents over the years, along with other potential tragedies that were averted thanks to police intervention.
Mr James said: “It’s very sad when it comes to this.
“I really think there is a need for safety to be reviewed.”
However, the Welsh Government has previously ruled out safety work on the M4 bridge, pointing out the parapet height was such that accidental falls were extremely unlikely.
Comments
by Philcwmavon
Thursday, January 03 2013, 10:19PM
“My only thoughts are for those who are left behind,whatever the cause of the tragic circumstances.”
by skewenboy
Thursday, January 03 2013, 5:41PM
“Yes, it is sad for such young people to be so depressed, but...
...there's no point in the government spending money making it more difficult to jump off a bridge. If people decide they want to commit suicide they will. If not that way there are plenty of other ways.”