SYDNEY, Australia — A tragic scene unfolded in Sydney’s CBD on Saturday morning when a man and woman died after falling from the Western Distributor overpass near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The incident, which occurred just before 9:45 a.m., brought traffic to a standstill and left shocked bystanders scrambling to help.
Emergency services were called to Harbour Street, where the pair—both believed to be in their 40s—were found critically injured on the roadway. Witnesses rushed to provide CPR before paramedics arrived, but despite their efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
NSW Police confirmed that a crime scene has been established and that detectives are working to determine the exact circumstances of the fall. At this stage, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including whether it was accidental, intentional, or involved foul play.
“Police are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who has relevant dashcam or mobile phone footage, to come forward and contact Day Street Police Station or Crime Stoppers,” a spokesperson said.
The deaths caused significant disruptions to weekend traffic. Two southbound lanes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge were closed for several hours as police and emergency vehicles occupied the scene. According to LiveTraffic NSW, motorists were advised to detour via Grosvenor Street, Bridge Street, and Macquarie Street for access to the Eastern Suburbs and Sydney Airport. The Cahill Expressway lane on the Harbour Bridge was also opened to ease congestion.
Commuters reported heavy delays across the inner city, with traffic backing up to the Anzac Bridge as diversions were put in place. Several bus routes were also affected.
Throughout the morning, dozens of emergency personnel remained stationed at the scene, while investigators conducted interviews with witnesses and reviewed CCTV footage from the area.
The identities of the man and woman have not yet been released, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin. Police said updates will be provided once more information becomes available.
The incident has left Sydney residents shaken, with many calling for greater safety measures on the city’s busy overpasses and roadways. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the events that led to the tragic fall.