"A huge shout out and 'thank you' to these unnamed local heroes from the Tauranga police. You can be rightly proud of your actions! Thank you again!"
Whangamata couple Beryl and Hudson Brook were travelling towards Bethlehem about 6.30pm yesterday when traffic came to a stop near the overpass.
Beryl Brook said she initially thought there had been a crash as traffic in both directions was at a standstill.
"A guy came running down the road yelling that someone was on the bridge," Beryl Brook said.
"I looked up and there was a man ... on the outside of the bridge."
Brook said there were about half a dozen people on the overpass who acted quickly to help the man.
A member of the public ran away and came back with a tie-down strap, Brook said.
They then looped the strap down to reach under the man's feet.
"When they pulled the strap up it came under his arms and they pulled him over," Brook said.
"It was so frightening but the guys at the top did a really good job," she said.
The incident was over in about five minutes and once the man was safely on the overpass traffic started to move again, she said.
IF YOU NEED HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
