A 21-year-old woman died in Limeira, São Paulo state, on 13 June after a bungee-jump attempt at the Ponte do Esqueleto (Skeleton Bridge) failed when her safety equipment was not properly attached. Video shared on social media shows three people hoisting the woman on a platform about 40 metres high before releasing her; witnesses are heard shouting, “Guys, the rope!” as she falls.
Local authorities said the improperly attached safety gear caused the fall. Emergency crews and bystanders attempted to assist, but paramedics later pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Police told O Globo that several people have been arrested in connection with the incident; some outlets reported differing numbers detained.
The victim was identified by O Globo as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas. Her Instagram account was removed hours after the incident; reports say she posted jokingly about jumping from the bridge shortly before the fatal attempt
The authorities said the safety equipment was not attached properly, causing the fall and resulting in multiple injuries.
People at the scene tried to provide the woman with assistance, but she was later pronounced dead by paramedics and firefighters at the scene, according to media reports.
The victim was Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, O Globo reported, adding that her Instagram profile was taken down hours after her death.
The media outlet also reported that de Freitas had posted on her Instagram stories before the fatal incident, writing in a joking tone: “Who was the crazy person who let me jump off a bridge?”