Teen Rescued After 50-Foot Fall in Queensboro Bridge TikTok Stunt

The 16-year-old is in stable condition after being hoisted to safety by over 70 firefighters and first responders.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A 16-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after plunging 50 feet down a shaft on the Queensboro Bridge in New York City while attempting a TikTok stunt. Dramatic photos show the dramatic rescue operation involving over 75 FDNY and first responder personnel using high-angle equipment and ropes to locate and retrieve the injured teen.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of social media-driven stunts and the risks young people may take to gain attention online. It also showcases the skill and dedication of New York's first responders in carrying out complex, high-stakes rescue operations.

The details

The teen was filming a TikTok prank on the bridge when he fell down a shaft on one of the bridge's buttresses. He was found in critical condition but is now stable after being rushed to Weill Cornell Medical Center. FDNY Deputy Chief Nicholas Corrado described the rescue as a "confined-space operation" that was "very difficult, time-consuming, manpower-intensive" requiring specialized equipment and monitoring. A woman who knew the boy claimed his friends had deserted him after the fall.

  • The incident occurred on Monday night, February 17, 2026.

The players

Nicholas Corrado

FDNY Deputy Chief who oversaw the rescue operation.

Khalid Lee

An FDNY firefighter who was part of the rescue team.

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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 involves high-angle equipment, ropes, we have to monitor the air, and create high points.”

— Nicholas Corrado, FDNY Deputy Chief (Mercury News)

“The adrenaline that was felt, it was moving. But this is what we train for.”

— Khalid Lee, FDNY Firefighter (WABC)

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the incident and may consider charges against the teen or his friends depending on the circumstances of the fall.

The takeaway

This rescue operation underscores the dangers of social media-driven stunts and the critical role of first responders in saving lives, even in the most complex and hazardous situations. It serves as a sobering reminder for young people to exercise caution and responsibility when pursuing online attention.