Charges filed after fatal bungee fall from Skeleton Bridge in São Paulo

Sequence of the accident

A nurse who was present later reported on Brazilian television: "Ich habe sogar noch mit ihr gesprochen". According to her account, the student initially survived the fall. It was only after the impact with the ground that her condition deteriorated rapidly.

As Maria was being lifted over the railing and plunging into the depths, a horrified cry was suddenly heard: "Das Seil, das Seil!" Immediately after the accident, the nurse rushed together with other helpers to the seriously injured student. Paramedics subsequently took over the emergency medical care.

The victim's companion filmed the 21-year-old's preparations on her mobile phone and witnessed the fateful error. The video recordings were handed over to investigators and are considered a central piece of evidence in the proceedings.

Investigations and evidence

The victim is the 21-year-old student Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, as shown by the investigation files. Her death triggered a wave of sympathy on Brazil's social networks. Local authorities ordered an inspection of all bungee operators in the region.

The defense of the accused men has so far not publicly commented on the allegations. Under Brazilian law, they face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of manslaughter. The competent court in Limeira must now decide on whether to accept the charges.

Reactions and consequences

Accidents like this throw a spotlight on safety standards in commercial extreme sports in Brazil. In recent years, bungee platforms have repeatedly been temporarily closed due to missing certificates or inadequate equipment. The ongoing investigations could now have further consequences for the industry.

The responsible public prosecutor's office announced that witnesses would be heard and that the companion's recordings, as well as possible footage from surveillance cameras on the bridge, would be evaluated. A date for the first court hearing has not yet been set. In the meantime, the family of the deceased has been accompanied by a psychological support team.

Safety standards in extreme sports

The case has also attracted attention beyond Brazil, as it raises fundamental questions about the responsibility of providers of high-risk recreational activities. Tourism experts are calling for a nationally uniform regulation of bungee jumps, comparable to the standards in Europe and North America.