Woman, 21, falls 130 feet to death after bungee jump crew forgets to attach rope

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died after falling from a bridge during a bungee jump in Sao Paulo when the safety cord was allegedly not attached. The incident prompted the arrest of six people and intensified scrutiny of safety standards at the site.

In Short

• Witnesses shouted about the missing rope moments after Maria was released
• Emergency teams reached the ravine but could only confirm her death
• Her final social media post from the bridge later went viral

A 21-year-old woman plunged more than 130 feet to her death during a bungee jump in Brazil after staff allegedly threw her from a bridge without attaching the safety rope, triggering panic among onlookers and a criminal investigation into the fatal incident.

The woman, identified locally as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, died after falling from Skeleton Bridge in the state of Sao Paulo during a bungee jumping activity organised by a private company.

Videos recorded at the scene appear to show staff escorting her to the edge of the bridge before releasing her, apparently unaware that the essential safety cord had not been attached.

WITNESSES SCREAMED 'THE ROPE'

Footage circulating on social media captures the horrifying moments after the jump.

As Maria fell from the bridge, bystanders suddenly realised that something had gone terribly wrong.

Witnesses can be heard shouting, "The rope, people, the rope," moments after she was released from the platform.

According to local authorities, the safety cord designed to support the jumper during the fall was not connected to her body.

The 21-year-old plunged into the ravine below before any intervention was possible.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but could only confirm her death.

Her body was later transferred to the Legal Medical Institute for examination.

FINAL SOCIAL MEDIA POST DRAWS ATTENTION

In a tragic twist, Maria had shared photographs from the jump site shortly before the incident.

One image showed the bridge and her jump wristbands.

Alongside the photograph, she wrote, "Who was the crazy person who let me come jump off a bridge?" reported the Daily Mail.

The post has since gone viral after news of the fatal accident emerged.

FIANCE WAS AT THE BRIDGE

Local reports said Maria's fiance was present when the tragedy unfolded.

He reportedly became unwell after learning of her death and required medical attention.

SIX PEOPLE ARRESTED

Authorities confirmed that six people were arrested at the scene as investigators began examining the circumstances that led to the fatal fall.

The Civil Police have launched an investigation to determine whether criminal charges can be brought against those involved in organising and conducting the activity.

Investigators are expected to review safety procedures, staff responsibilities and whether established protocols were followed before the jump took place.

AUTHORITIES SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY

The incident has sparked widespread concern over safety standards at adventure tourism sites.

Limeira Mayor Murilo Flix said the city council would file a complaint with Brazil's federal government and seek accountability over safety conditions around the area.

"It is necessary to determine responsibility for the lack of access control to a federal area that has presented known risks for years and still lacks the necessary protection measures," Flix said.

As investigators work to establish how the fatal lapse occurred, the disturbing footage and the young woman's final social media post have intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding her death.

- Ends