In a recent incident, a young tourist, identified by her surname Liu, lost her life after falling from a cliff swing attraction at the Maliuyan Expedition Park in Huaying, Sichuan province. What was supposed to be a thrilling holiday adventure turned into a tragedy. The accident has left the world of tourism shaken across China and globally over adventure tourism safety.Let’s find out more about the accident:The viral videoAs per media reports, on May 3, a 16-year-old tourist died while enjoying cliff swing, a popular adventure sport. Reportedly, she kept warning staff that her safety rope did not feel secure enough. The video circulating on social media shows her screaming, “I am not tied tight”. But the staff ignored her request. It is a heartbreaking incident. Some of her friends captured the video and shared it on social media. It has now gone viral on Chinese social media and globally. The video has triggered widespread anger over negligence. Meanwhile, the famous park has since been shut down temporarily. The video of swing breakAs per reports, Liu was getting ready for her “cliff swing” ride which was suspended over a 168-metre canyon. Moments before the swing was launched, she repeatedly told staff that the safety rope felt “not tight enough.”Witnesses and viral footage clearly show that the staff was not taking her concerns seriously. Just a few seconds later, the video shows the harness getting detached and instead of crossing, she falls freely into the gorge below. She was rushed to hospital but was declared dead upon reaching as per local authorities. Investigations revealed that the incident was a “work safety liability accident caused by enterprise negligence.” It has now become China’s one of the most talked-about travel incidents this year. The original video has over 200 million views, according to reports. A number of comments on the video show anger and concerns around safety at such parks. A global concernSuch adventure activities are happening across Asia and the world. Cliff swings, walking on glass bridges, zip lines, bungee jumping, cliff jumping and canyon walks today are major tourist attractions. These attractions are quite a rage among younger travellers looking for social media-worthy experiences which include little drama. Experts have warned that a number of such adventure attractions operate without any safety checks or standards. They are managing with proper or trained staff. The equipment used is old and poor, which is the reason why such accidents are happening.Not the first incidentThe Sichuan tragedy is not the first tourism-related accident. We have seen a number of such fatal falls and accidents in the past involving cliff falls, zipline accidents, rafting incidents and extreme viewpoints worldwide. There have been a number of selfie-related deaths and other tourism accidents which have reshaped travel at scenic sites. But Liu’s case is disturbing and is different. The young traveller had already sensed danger and kept screaming that she is not tied well to the safety harness. But the staff still went on, ignoring her pleas, which is quite traumatic for watchers. It is every family’s worst travel nightmare, the kid making memories on holiday and never returning home ever.
