A38 Suicide: Further Details Released After Jumper Died after Falling Off Bridge on A38 in Plymouth

An individual has died following a serious incident on the A38 in Plymouth on Wednesday afternoon, January 14, after falling from the Manadon Flyover, authorities have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to Manadon Roundabout at approximately 2.35pm after concerns were raised for a person’s welfare. Devon and Cornwall Police said the individual had fallen from the flyover and was found critically injured on the A38 below. Despite the response of police officers and ambulance crews, the person was later pronounced dead at the scene.

A police spokesperson said:
“Police were called at 2.35pm today, 14 January, following concern for the welfare of a person at Manadon Roundabout in Plymouth. The person had fallen from Manadon Flyover and was located seriously injured on the A38. The ambulance service also attended the scene.”

The incident triggered a large emergency response, with multiple police vehicles and ambulances attending. Traffic beneath the flyover was brought to a standstill, and the A38 westbound (southbound) was closed between Marsh Mills and Manadon. The road was initially shut in both directions, though traffic updates later confirmed the eastbound (northbound) carriageway had reopened.

Shortly after 4pm, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Highways issued an advisory warning of significant disruption, stating:
“A38 is now closed from Marsh Mills to Manadon westbound. This is causing severe delays on all approaching roads.”

Motorists were urged to avoid the area where possible, as congestion spread across multiple routes in and out of the city. Witnesses reported traffic remaining at a complete standstill for an extended period.

The disruption was compounded by a separate major incident elsewhere in Plymouth, where police were responding to the discovery of a suspected bomb at a building site, further impacting the city’s road network.

No further details about the individual involved have been released. The incident remains under investigation, and road closures were expected to remain in place for several hours while emergency services carried out their work.

Anyone affected by this incident or struggling with their mental health is encouraged to seek support. In the UK, confidential help is available 24 hours a day through Samaritans on 116 123.