London’s iconic Tower Bridge was shut down earlier today after a hooded individual was spotted scaling its railings, causing major disruptions to traffic and public transport. Emergency services, including the police, fire brigade, and ambulance teams, were swiftly deployed to the scene as onlookers captured the climber’s actions and shared them on social media.
Emergency Response and Traffic Chaos
City of London Police confirmed the incident in a statement, saying:
“Tower Bridge is closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a person who has scaled the railings. Please avoid the area where possible. Updates to follow.”
As a result, significant congestion built up, with diversions rerouting vehicles through alternative Thames crossings such as Southwark Bridge. The A100 Tower Bridge was shut in both directions between A1203 East Smithfield (Tower Hill) and Queen Elizabeth Street, leading to long delays back through Limehouse, The Highway, and Aldgate.
Public transport was also affected, with London buses 42, 78, and 343 forced to take alternative routes. Transport for London (TfL) advised commuters to check for updates before travelling.
Emergency Services Attempt to Intervene
Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were seen using a cherry picker to communicate with the individual, a method also employed recently when a protestor climbed Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower with a Palestinian flag.
Witnesses reported that an RNLI emergency boat was stationed in the water below the bridge as a precautionary measure, while photos from the scene showed the man perched on the bridge, wearing a grey hoodie and dark trousers.
Climber Safely Brought Down
Following discussions with emergency responders, the individual eventually descended from the bridge. A photograph circulating online showed the man being led away by police officers, notably without handcuffs.
At 12:23 PM, City of London Police confirmed that the situation had been resolved, allowing efforts to reopen the bridge and restore normal traffic flow. The exact motives behind the climber’s actions remain unclear.
Blackwall Tunnel Also Partly Closed
Adding to the travel disruption across London, the Blackwall Tunnel in East London was also partly closed due to an unrelated incident. According to traffic monitoring service Inrix, southbound routes were heavily affected, leading to congestion from the A12/A13 to Greenwich.
A statement from Inrix read:
“Congestion to the A13 both ways between Canning Town and Whitechapel, and Aspen Way and The Highway into town via Limehouse. A separate police incident has closed Tower Bridge.”
Bus routes 108 and 115 were impacted, and London Underground accepted bus tickets in Zones 2, 3, and 4 as an alternative travel measure.
Public Reaction
The incident sparked debate online, with many questioning the need to shut the bridge entirely. Some social media users expressed frustration at the disruption, while others suggested that authorities should have left the climber to face the consequences of their actions.
One widely shared comment read:
“Keep it open, leave them there, if they fall—good.”
Others suggested simply ignoring the individual and allowing traffic to continue, arguing that emergency resources could have been better used elsewhere.
Recent Similar Incidents
This event comes just days after another high-profile climbing stunt, in which a man scaled Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower while holding a Palestinian flag. That individual was eventually arrested after being coaxed down by emergency responders.
Latest Updates
Tower Bridge has since reopened, though residual delays continued to affect traffic in the surrounding areas. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the climber will face legal action under UK law.
For further updates on this story and other breaking news, visit Transport for London’s status page or follow City of London Police for official statements.
