Emergency crews rushed to the Jose Rizal Bridge in south Seattle after reports of a person in crisis atop the span, and authorities are asking people to avoid the area. The scene is near 12th Avenue S and S Weller Street, where the bridge links the International District with Beacon Hill. Traffic and pedestrian access may be affected while first responders work.
Crews are responding to reports of a person in crisis at the top of the Jose Rizal Bridge (12th Ave. S. & S. Weller St.). Please avoid the area.
— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) March 24, 2026
In a post on X, the Seattle Fire Department said crews had been dispatched to the bridge and urged the public to stay away while they work. The department did not share additional details about the person’s condition or whether the bridge was fully closed at the time of the alert.
Where the Bridge Is and Why It Matters
The Jose Rizal Bridge carries 12th Avenue South over the Dearborn Valley and is a heavily used route for pedestrians, cyclists and local traffic, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation. SDOT has put money into maintenance and pedestrian upgrades on 12th Ave S in recent years, which has made the bridge a key connector between the International District and Beacon Hill. Any closure or police activity there typically tangles nearby streets and transit routes.
How Responders Handle Bridge Crises
Seattle Police and specialized negotiators have dealt with similar emergencies on city bridges, often working for extended periods to de-escalate the situation and get people medical care. In one such case, officers negotiated a man down from the Ship Canal Bridge in March 2025, with police negotiators and medics coordinating to secure the scene and offer treatment, as reported by KIRO 7.
Resources for People in Crisis
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988, and King County’s Crisis Connections runs a local 24-hour line at 1-866-427-4747. These services connect callers with mobile crisis teams and local treatment options, according to federal and county resources.
Officials are asking the public to continue avoiding the area while responders work and are warning of potential traffic delays on nearby streets. This story will be updated as agencies release more information.
