Five months after a tourist fell to their death on a giant swing attraction, authorities in Huaying, in China’s Sichuan province, have released an investigation report. It found that the accident was caused by factors including an operator’s incorrect handling of the release rope and a lack of on-site precautionary measures against accidental falls. Two people directly responsible have been referred to the judicial authorities.
An accident investigation team under the municipal government of Huaying, Sichuan province, on Saturday (31 October) released its report on the fatal fall on 3 May at the Maliuyan giant swing attraction in Xikou, Huaying, CCTV News reported. The investigation concluded that the incident was a workplace safety accident caused by negligence. It found that the attraction’s operator had failed in its primary safety responsibilities and management, did not effectively identify or control safety risks, and illegally deployed staff who had not completed mandatory safety training. Local authorities and regulators were also faulted for inadequate safety oversight and loopholes in their inspections.
On 3 May this year, a tourist was injured while taking part in the giant swing activity at the Maliuyan scenic area in Xikou town, Huaying, and died despite efforts to save her.
The direct cause of the accident was the giant swing operator’s failure to strictly follow operating procedures and correctly handle the release rope. This caused the release mechanism on the sliding support assembly to open prematurely, before the assembly had reached its normal release position, separating the daisy-chain tether from the release hook. With no on-site safety precautions against accidental falls, the tourist fell and struck the rock face of the waterfall.
The statement said the two people directly responsible for the accident had been referred to the judicial authorities. Issues identified during the investigation concerning public officials’ performance of their duties have been referred to disciplinary inspection and supervisory authorities for accountability proceedings. The relevant administrative authorities will impose administrative penalties on the company involved and other relevant individuals in accordance with the law.