Traffic Halted on Mackinac Bridge Following Serious Incident, Authorities Investigating
The Mackinac Bridge was temporarily closed Friday afternoon following an emergency situation that prompted a large multi-agency response, according to Mackinac County 911 and Emergency Management officials.
Authorities said the incident was reported at approximately 2:36 p.m. after receiving a call about a vehicle stopped on the bridge with an individual outside of it. Law enforcement officers responded and made contact with a male who was positioned beyond the bridge railing. Emergency medical services were requested, and officers remained in communication with the individual while the situation developed.
By 2:44 p.m., the St. Ignace Fire Department and a rescue boat were requested to assist. The U.S. Coast Guard advised that although a boat was not immediately available, a helicopter was dispatched to support the response. Additional assistance was requested from the Mackinaw City Fire Department to help block northbound traffic and manage onlookers in the area.
Officials reported ongoing challenges related to traffic congestion and spectators gathering near the scene, which led to repeated requests for help clearing the area so emergency crews could work safely. Michigan State Police were later called in to provide additional support and traffic control.
The individual remained under the bridge for an extended period as first responders coordinated rescue efforts. At approximately 3:38 p.m., authorities confirmed that the male was safely rescued from the bridge.
Mackinac County 911 first announced the bridge closure at 2:43 p.m., urging motorists to avoid the area. At 4:12 p.m., officials confirmed that the emergency incident had been resolved and that the Mackinac Bridge had reopened to traffic.
No further details about the individual involved have been released. Authorities advised motorists to continue traveling with caution as traffic patterns returned to normal.
