Girl, 16, fell from bungee swing in China, staff negligence led to death: Chinese reports

On May 3, a 16-year-old girl died after falling from a bungee swing at an adventure park in Sichuan, China, as a result of a supposed safety breach.

The latest findings of the investigation into her death has been released about two weeks later, on May 17, according to national broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).

It revealed that the release switch had been activated prematurely, suggesting negligence on the part of the staff.

The fall

The incident occurred at an adventure park near Huaying, in Sichuan province.

Videos that circulated online showed the girl secured to the swing via a safety harness and ropes, being hoisted towards the edge of a platform by a mechanical cable.

As she neared the edge, she could be heard calling out that the rope had not been properly fastened.

However, staff did not respond.

She was then seen falling into the canyon below.

She subsequently succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital.

Negligence

According to the CCTV report, per ETtoday, the primary cause of the accident was improper handling by on-site staff.

Investigators found that the release switch had been activated before the load-bearing pulley structure had moved into its designated safe position.

As a result, the safety rope came loose, causing the girl to fall unprotected.

Citing reports, ETtoday reported that a local emergency management bureau official further noted that the operator of the attraction had failed to implement adequate risk controls, and had neglected staff training, including training on safety hazards.

The company has since been ordered to suspend operations until safety issues are addressed, while those responsible have been taken into custody in accordance with the law.