A young woman tourist in China died after falling from a “cliff swing” ride after her warning that the safety rope was not tied tightly enough was ignored.
The heart-wrenching accident went viral on mainland social media and was viewed more than 200 million times.
It sparked public rage and calls for safety supervision for adventure activities to be strengthened.
On May 5, the municipal government of Huaying in southwestern China’s Sichuan province issued a statement that the tourist, surnamed Liu, was injured on a cliff swing ride at Maliuyan Expedition Park on May 3.
She was pronounced dead on the way to hospital.
The authorities determined Liu died as the result of a production safety liability accident. The park was closed thereafter.
The swing ride was on a platform near a waterfall which has a drop of 168 metres.
Liu was thought to have been 16 to 17 years old. A viral video clip showed her wearing a safety helmet with her torso secured by several safety ropes.
As Liu was perched on the edge of the platform, she was heard yelling “not tied tightly” multiple times. However, a worker still pushed her out.
About two seconds later, a safety button above her head was released and the girl plunged down the cliff.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Maliuyan Expedition Park said on social media that it was closed from May 4 to 10 due to “force majeure”. The park said it was carrying out safety examinations on its equipment to guarantee the safety of tourists.
According to Dahe News, the swing ride was launched in March. One internet user said he felt weightlessness for several seconds while on it.
Another person said on social media at the end of March: “There was only a single safety rope, rather than double ropes. The risks are high. You had better not go.”
The State Administration for Market Regulation has made mandatory standards for cliff swings, setting requirements for design, manufacturing, installation and management. The rules came into effect in March last year.
“But based on the viral video of the accident and the park’s promotional photographs, we can conclude that they apparently did not follow the safety rules,” an editorial on Shangyou News said.
“The price for ‘not bound tightly’ is a life. We feel gravely sad about it. Safety is not just a slogan, but should be implemented strictly. Only by safeguarding the bottom line of safety can similar tragedies be avoided,” the article continued.
The accident triggered a serious discussion on mainland social media.
“She is so young. She is only an adolescent,” one online observer said.
“The swing workers look casual. Their behaviour amounts to nothing different from negligent homicide,” said another person. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
