Overpass Jumper Snarls Morning Commute on the 5 Freeway

Updated: A 60-year-old man died this morning after leaping from a bridge overpass onto the Golden State (5) Freeway in Burbank, police said.

Burbank police and California Highway Patrol units responded to the southbound 5 Freeway at Alameda Avenue around 6:55 a.m. after the man jumped onto the freeway, said Burbank police Sgt. Carlos Gomez. The jumper did not hit any vehicle on the freeway and was not struck after he landed, he said.

“We have no idea why he jumped,” Gomez said.

The unidentified victim initially survived the jump and was found in the far right lane of the freeway, said Burbank police Sgt. Claudio Losacco.

Burbank Fire Department paramedics treated the man at the scene and transported him to a hospital. But he later died, Losacco said. His name was withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The ensuing police investigation shut down all southbound lanes and one eastbound lane near Magnolia Boulevard, snarling traffic during rush hour through that area, Losacco said.

The closure was subsequently reduced to the Number 3 and 4 lanes on the southbound side. But all lanes were reopened about 8:35 a.m., according to the CHP.

City News Service