Brazilian Bungee Jump Ends in Death After Staff Fails to Attach Safety Harness

A 21-year-old woman, Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, died in the Brazilian city of Limeira, in São Paulo state, after a bungy jump went catastrophically wrong at the Ponte do Escalvo bridge. The incident happened on Monday, and she fell about 40 meters to her death after being launched from the bridge without being connected to the safety rope, according to reports.

Witnesses said Freitas was holding a camera in her right hand to record the jump, which cost about 290 reais. Video from the scene shows three staff members lifting her over their heads and throwing her from the bridge in free fall, with no protective equipment attached. Moments later, the crowd can be heard shouting in shock after realizing the rope was missing.

When police arrived, two workers from the company in charge allegedly tried to flee into thick vegetation but were later detained. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder by indirect intent, meaning they did not intend to kill her directly but knowingly created a deadly risk. Reports said the suspects also changed their clothes after the incident and were unable to explain the failure.

The Ponte do Escalvo bridge is known as a dangerous site and has been inactive for three decades, with a history of serious accidents in recent years. Limeira city hall said it will pursue legal action against the federal government, accusing it of negligence in supervising the site.