A truck driver from Ireland is being called a hero because he saved a girl who “was going to jump” from a motorway bridge by parking his truck underneath the girl.
It was a busy Friday with commuters shuttling forth from and to Dublin when a girl was observed sitting on the side of a motorway bridge along N7 in Naas. Her legs were dangling over the edge and any casual observer could see that the likelihood that the girl was planning to jump was high.
Most motorists were unaware or chose to ignore the sight but not so for one truck driver who did the only thing he could which was to park his truck underneath the spot where she was in the hopes that it would dissuade her for jumping. Or, if she did push through with the jump, she wouldn’t fall as far.
Keith Dunne, who was there to witness the whole thing and took the photo, called the driver a “hero” for stepping up when no one would.
He told the Irish Mirror: “She was going to jump at Naas today but an Artic lorry stooped under her.
“Not all heroes wear capes, it’s not a nice time of year to feel like you have to end your life, talk to someone, anybody please.”
Social media users were also quick to praise the driver.
One user wrote: “What a fast thinking and very courageous lorry driver. Well done mate.
“Respect and prayers go out to you. You saved somebody’s poor mum, sister, lover, wife, nan or auntie.”
Another said: “Very sad times when you contemplate ending your life like this, let’s hope she can get help. Also well done to the truck driver who probably saved her life.”
A third added: “Well done to the driver, he has saved a life today. Hats off to him.”
Depression and other mental health problems carry so much stigma and that could be one reason why a person may choose to bottle up these problems. But just talking to someone could provide the tipping point towards healing.
If you’re not comfortable talking to friends or family, then there are a lot of helplines with trained listeners who provide much-needed support.
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