This is the tense moment a fire crew scrambles to rescue an elderly woman who somehow crawled to the top of a tall bridge and walks around, risking a deadly fall any second.

The incident occurred on the Zhongshan Bridge in Wuhu, Anhui, China, on December 3.

Footage shows a woman in a red cotton coat and black hat sitting, pacing, and even turning around on top of the bridge's tall arch after she managed to climb it.

Witnesses discovered her after reaching the top using only her hands and immediately alerted rescuers.

Some onlookers reported seeing the woman calmly eating a snack while perched on the arch.

Firefighters arrived and set up air cushions and cranes as a crowd gathered at the scene.

Local officials later confirmed the elderly woman, a resident of the area, was safely brought down.

Authorities said the incident was linked to a family conflict, after which the woman climbed the bridge for reasons that are still unclear.

They also confirmed she did not have any mental health issues and was safely returned home unharmed.