In brief
A tragic incident in São Paulo’s interior has shed light on the dangers of informal rope‑jumping activities. Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, fell 40 m from an abandoned bridge when instructors did not secure her rope. Three men were arrested and police are investigating a potential homicide charge. The case has prompted local authorities to sue the federal government over the bridge’s neglect and to demand stricter safety measures for extreme‑sports operators.
A 21‑year‑old Brazilian woman, Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, lost her life on Saturday after rope‑jumping instructors failed to attach her safety cord at an abandoned bridge in Ponte do Esqueleto, located on the border of Limeira and Cordeirópolis in São Paulo state.
The incident was captured on social‑media video, where three men, two in white helmets and one holding her feet, carried the young woman from the bridge. When she was released, onlookers shouted for the rope to be secured, but the instructors let her go without attaching the requisite safety line.
She fell 40 m (130 ft) to the ground and emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene. Municipal authorities reported that three men have been arrested and are under investigation for potential homicide with eventual intent.
Police are examining whether the instructors’ conduct constitutes a grave negligence under Brazil’s criminal law. The local news outlet Globo reports notes that the men could be charged for homicide if they assumed the risk of causing death.
The “Skeleton Bridge” where the jump took place has been abandoned for years, belonging to the federal government. Brazil’s Secretariat of Federal Assets (SPU) stated it was open to assisting authorities in investigations. Limeira’s City Hall announced plans to sue the federal government for failing to manage the bridge, citing the tragedy as evidence that neglect is unacceptable.
Rope‑jumping in Brazil uses low‑stretch climbing ropes that turn a free fall into a horizontal pendulum swing, distinct from the vertical bounce of bungee jumping. While private companies offer the sport, local reports suggest some instructors were part of informal practitioner groups.
Key Points: Initiate safety checks on abandoned infrastructure. Strengthen regulation of extreme‑sports providers. Investigate apparatus standards for rope‑jumping. Address accountability of private operators.
