A man has been arrested in Melbourne after allegedly climbing a 140-metre bridge tower and painting a large cartoon bird, disrupting traffic and emergency operations.
Australian police have arrested a man after he allegedly climbed a 140-metre-high tower of Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge and painted a giant cartoon bird on the structure.
The incident happened on Tuesday in Melbourne, Victoria. The man was seen sitting at the top of the bridge tower, above graffiti linked to the well-known “Pam the Bird” image.
Police and emergency services were called to the area after reports that a person had climbed the bridge tower without permission.
The Bolte Bridge is one of Melbourne’s major road bridges and carries heavy traffic every day. The incident created concern because climbing such a high structure is extremely dangerous and can also affect traffic movement below.
Police said the man was taken into custody after coming down from the tower. Authorities are investigating how he reached the top of the bridge and whether he caused damage to public property.
The bridge tower is around 140 metres high, making the stunt highly risky. A fall from that height could have been fatal.
The incident also required emergency workers to respond, which can take police and rescue teams away from other urgent calls.
Giant Cartoon Bird Painted on Bridge
The man allegedly painted a large cartoon bird on the bridge tower.
The image was linked to “Pam the Bird,” a graffiti character that has appeared in Melbourne before.
Graffiti artists sometimes paint images on walls, buildings and public structures without permission. However, painting on a major bridge can lead to serious legal action because it involves public property and may create safety risks.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the full cost of cleaning or repairing the bridge tower.
Bridge maintenance teams may need to inspect the area before removing the graffiti.
Police Investigate Safety and Property Damage
Police are expected to examine whether the man entered a restricted area, damaged public property or created danger for himself and others.
Climbing major bridges without permission is illegal and can lead to criminal charges.
Authorities may also investigate whether the man had help or used special equipment to reach the top of the tower.
Melbourne police have warned people not to copy dangerous stunts involving bridges, tall buildings or construction sites.
Such acts can result in serious injury, death or legal action.
Traffic and Emergency Response
The Bolte Bridge is an important part of Melbourne’s road network.
Any incident on or near the bridge can affect traffic and create delays for commuters.
Police may close or control roads during such operations to protect drivers, pedestrians and emergency workers.
The incident also raised concern among people who saw the man sitting high above the road.
Emergency teams must carefully plan rescue operations in cases involving tall structures because sudden movement can put the person and rescuers at risk.
What Happens Next
The arrested man is expected to face further police action after the investigation is completed.
Authorities will also inspect the bridge tower for possible damage and decide how the graffiti will be removed.
For now, police have reminded the public that climbing major infrastructure is dangerous, illegal and can put many lives at risk.