A major rescue operation was launched at Tower Bridge today after a man fell 10ft down the stairs at the iconic London landmark.
The bridge was closed in both directions as police and firefighters helped the injured man.
He sustained back and head injuries and was taken to a major trauma unit at a London hospital, emergency services said.
The road has now reopened but there are still delays and motorists have been urged to avoid the area.
A London Ambulance Service (LAS) spokesman said it was called to the scene at 12.19pm.
"Crews treated a man for injuries to his back and head and took him to a major trauma centre," he added.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said 15 firefighters were involved in bringing the man up three floors to ground level.
"Firefighters rescued an injured man from Tower Bridge, City of London, after he fell 10ft down some stairs," the statement said.
"About 15 firefighters used specialist rope equipment to bring the man up three floors to ground level.
"The man was then removed from the scene by London Ambulance Service."
Transport for London (TfL) said westbound traffic is slow and there are queues approaching Glamis Road.
There is also congestion northbound with queues reaching the Bricklayers Arms Roundabout.
One Twitter user said the bridge was on "lockdown".
"Tower Bridge on lockdown with multiple police, fire and ambulance crews on the scene," they said.
"Boats are still passing through so appears to be road related."
