Teen Survives 50-Foot Bridge Fall During Social Media Challenge

The 16-year-old was rescued by firefighters after falling down a shaft on the Queensboro Bridge in New York City.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 16-year-old boy survived a 50-foot fall down a shaft on the Queensboro Bridge in New York City on Monday, February 16. According to police, the teen was participating in a social media challenge with friends when he fell. The teen was rescued by firefighters and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of social media challenges that encourage risky or illegal behavior. While the teen survived, the fall could have easily resulted in a tragic outcome. It also raises concerns about supervision and safety measures on public infrastructure like bridges.

The details

The teen, whose identity has not been released, is believed to be from Lynbrook in Nassau County, New York. He allegedly told police that he and his friends had gone to the bridge to film a social media challenge, but that they left him after he fell down the 50-foot shaft. Firefighters used ropes and harnesses to rescue the teen, who was found in critical condition. The rescue operation involved 75 first responders and 10 pieces of equipment.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 16 around 9 PM.

The players

FDNY

The New York City Fire Department that responded to the emergency call and rescued the teen from the bridge shaft.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department that is investigating the incident and the teen's claims about participating in a social media challenge.

The 16-year-old teen

The victim who fell down the 50-foot shaft on the Queensboro Bridge while allegedly participating in a social media challenge with friends.

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What they’re saying

“This was a confined-space operation, which is a very difficult, time-consuming, manpower-intensive operation. It involved high-angle equipment, ropes, we have to monitor the air, and create high points.”

— Nicholas Corrado, FDNY Deputy Chief (CBS New York)

“Just mumbling from the severe trauma. The adrenaline that was felt, it was, it was moving, but this is what we train for.”

— Khalid Lee, FDNY Firefighter (CBS New York)

What’s next

The NYPD is continuing to investigate the incident and the teen's claims about participating in a social media challenge.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark warning about the dangers of social media challenges that encourage risky or illegal behavior. While the teen survived, the fall could have easily resulted in a tragic outcome, highlighting the need for greater education and supervision around these types of challenges, especially among young people.