Nearly 900 people have attempted suicide on Han River bridges in the past four years, according to the fire authorities.
Rep. Kang Ki-youn of the ruling Saenuri Party unveiled the data from Seoul Metropolitan Government and the National Emergency Management Agency that showed 875 people jumped off the bridges from August 2008 to August 2012.
The Mapo Bridge recorded the highest number of suicide attempts, with 85 cases, followed by Hangang Bridge, with 71, and Seogang Bridge, with 52.
The number of deaths stood at 408, marking a 53-percent rescue rate.
“Installing surveillance cameras on each bridge and increasing patrol personnel are necessary to reduce casualties caused by car accidents and suicide attempts. More effective rescue plans for suicide attempts should be prepared soon,” Kang said.
Fire departments received 6,146 bridge rescue calls across the nation.
Car accidents made up the bulk of the calls, with 4,155, followed by suicide attempts at 1,463 and fires at 525.
By Kim Young-won (
wone0102@heraldcorp.com)
