KUWAIT CITY, Aug 17: Since its inauguration in May 2019, the Sheikh Jaber Bridge – recognized as the fourth-longest sea bridge in the world – has become a symbol not only of connection between the north and south of Kuwait but also, unexpectedly, a location for those seeking to end their lives, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The bridge, intended as a significant infrastructural achievement, has turned into a site marked by a growing number of suicide attempts, totaling ten since its opening. In the latest incident, a missing person who had thrown himself off the bridge was found and rescued by fire department, marking the tenth suicide attempt.

Out of these, seven have been unsuccessful, meaning that 70 percent of the attempts were thwarted, offering a glimmer of hope amid a somber reality. The peak in such incidents notably occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the emotional toll of that period. The grim history of these attempts includes notable cases, such as a thwarted attempt by a girl on July 30, 2021, and another tragic case in October of the same year, when a young woman died after jumping from the bridge.

On December 2021, two individuals attempted suicide on the same day — one was rescued, while the other was stopped in time. In 2022, there were more cases.

On April 26, two residents — one Egyptian and the other Indian — attempted suicide. The Indian man was rescued by a passing citizen who spotted him in the water, while the Egyptian suffered severe fractures after falling onto the rocks and was rushed to the hospital. Additionally, an Australian died in September 2022 after throwing herself off the bridge, with her body later recovered by marine rescue teams.

The trend continued in 2023, with two significant incidents — on July 17, a 28-year-old Kuwaiti woman was rescued after jumping, and on August 22, authorities saved another woman who had similarly attempted suicide.

The rise in these cases raises important questions about the psychological wellbeing of residents and the need for preventive measures. As the Sheikh Jaber Bridge remains a vital link in Kuwait’s infrastructure, it is crucial to address the underlying issues contributing to this troubling trend.