A rope jumping session in Brazil ends in tragedy after a fatal safety mistake on a bridge.
A young woman has passed away in a rope-jumping accident after workers allegedly forgot to attach her safety rope. Usually, it is safe to jump off the “Skeleton Bridge” in São Paulo, Brazil – as long as participants are secured to a cord. Multiple individuals have been arrested following the tragic incident.
Instructors Forgot To Attach The Rope
Rope-jumping is an extreme sport similar to bungee-jumping. The difference is that the rope is not elastic. Instead, it is usually mounted at an angle to the takeoff point so that the fall is cushioned by a pendulum-like motion.
However, 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died after instructors at the rope-jumping experience allegedly forgot to attach her safety rope. According to authorities, the height she fell from was around 40 meters.
A video began circulating on the internet showing Maria being carried by three men, who take her toward the edge of the bridge before releasing her. This is part of the normal procedure, but in the footage, the most important rope can still be seen lying on the ground. One can even hear someone screaming, “Guys, the rope.” in the video. People in the comment section have questioned how it was possible that no one noticed the most critical safety step missing.
@abcworldnews Three people were arrested for murder and six are under investigation after a fatal bungee jumping accident in Brazil. Authorities say the workers failed to secure a safety rope to Maria Eduarda Rodrigues before plunging to her death. David Muir reports. https://abcnews.go.com/
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Maria was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services, which were called immediately. Her fiancé was present during the tragic incident.
Six Individuals Arrested
The three men carrying her, along with three other individuals, were arrested. According to official local news sources, they are being investigated for possible charges of “homicide with eventual intent”, referring to cases in which a person does not have the direct intention to kill but assumes the risk of causing death. Two of the suspects attempted to flee but were later found in a wooded area by a helicopter search team.
Local officials claim that the responsible workers belong to a private company, although other reports suggest they may have been part of an informal group of practitioners.
Viral Videos Show How It’s Done Right
Several videos have since gone viral showing how rope jumping on the Skeleton Bridge is normally performed, demonstrating that the activity itself is not necessarily dangerous – or at least only as safe as extreme sports can be. These clips highlight the clear difference between a properly executed jump and the fatal incident.
@raissaroodriguees Maeeeeee, to vivaaaaa! HAAHAHAHA #ropejump #pendulo #aventura #limeirasp #meme
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Before her death, Maria posted a photo of the view from the bridge, captioning it: “Who is this crazy person who let me jump off a bridge???” In hindsight, this post now carries a tragic and ironic tone, as what was meant to be an excited remark about an extreme experience has become part of a devastating story.
A devastating accident that leaves many unanswered questions about how such a basic safety step could be missed. Our thoughts are with her family during this tragic time.
