Mass Ave Bridge Incident Today: Major Traffic Shutdown, Injuries & Live Updates – May 25 2025

Cambridge—Boston, MA — In the early hours of Saturday, May 24, a large multi-agency rescue operation swarmed the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge after two college students reportedly jumped in an attempt to swim across the Charles River, triggering what is now being widely referred to as the Mass Ave Bridge incident. What happened According to Boston and Cambridge police radio traffic, a 911 call came in just before 2 a.m. reporting that two individuals had entered the river from the center span of the Mass Ave Bridge. Flashing lights from more than a dozen emergency vehicles quickly illuminated the landmark, while fire-department marine units and search-and-rescue divers swept the dark, 53-degree water. Roughly 45 minutes later, both students were located on land, cold but unharmed, ending the immediate search effort. A minute-by-minute timeline • 1:57 a.m. — 911 callers spot two people climbing over the bridge rail. • 2:03 a.m. — First Boston Fire engine arrives; Cambridge Police shut down inbound lanes. • 2:08 a.m. — Rescue boats deploy from the Esplanade dock; thermal-imaging drones lift off. • 2:32 a.m. — MIT police locate the first student near Memorial Drive. • 2:41 a.m. — Second student found on the Boston side, treated for mild hypothermia. • 3:05 a.m. — Bridge reopens to traffic; investigation officially transferred to campus authorities. Witness accounts Night-shift rideshare driver Carla Mendes described a chaotic scene: “Sirens came from every direction. They were shining spotlights under the arches while officers yelled into the dark.” Social-media videos taken from apartment balconies in Back Bay show responders forming a human chain along the railings and tossing throw-bags into the current. Statements from officials Boston Fire Deputy Chief Michael Hennigan praised the quick coordination: “With water temps in the low 50s, survivability drops fast. Getting eyes on the victims within 30 minutes was critical.” A Cambridge Police spokesperson confirmed that alcohol is being investigated as a factor and that no criminal charges have been filed at this time. Why the Mass Ave Bridge is a repeat hot spot Stretching 1,432 feet between Back Bay and MIT, the Mass Ave Bridge—officially the Harvard Bridge—has seen a string of water-rescue calls tied to stunts, mental-health crises, and protests. In February 2025, firefighters recovered a body near the same span, while a 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration briefly blocked the bridge during evening rush hour. The latest Mass Ave Bridge incident underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding low guardrails and easy pedestrian access. Cold-water dangers in late spring Although air temperatures hovered near 60 °F overnight, the Charles River remains cold well into June. Experts note that sudden immersion can trigger cold-shock response, robbing swimmers of muscle control within minutes. “People underestimate how hard it is to self-rescue in these conditions,” says Dr. Lisa Carter of Mass General’s Emergency Department, adding that hypothermia can set in even if victims reach shore quickly. Tips for staying safe around the Charles River • Never enter the water from bridges or seawalls. • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket when boating or paddle-boarding. • Keep a charged phone and use location-sharing apps when walking near the river at night. • If you see someone in distress, call 911 and provide the nearest bridge number or cross-street. What’s next Campus administrators at MIT and Boston University, whose students frequently traverse the span, said they will review orientation safety briefings and explore installing additional signage along the bridge rails. City engineers are already studying the feasibility of taller barriers—a measure backed by both mayors in the wake of the latest Mass Ave Bridge incident. Residents with information or footage that might assist investigators are encouraged to contact Boston Police District D-4 or Cambridge Police headquarters.