A tragic event unfolded at Fly Emotion park in Alpi Orobie, close to Lake Como, Italy, when Ghizlane Moutahir, a 41-year-old woman, fell to her death during a zipline ride. The incident took place on a sunny Sunday afternoon, casting a pall over the serene Bitto Valley.
According to onlookers, Moutahir was almost at the end of the mile-long zipline ride, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour, when she began to struggle. The horrifying event occurred as she slipped from her harness and plummeted approximately 60 feet to the ground. The incident took place in the presence of her nieces who were part of the group participating in the zipline ride through the scenic Italian landscape.
Moutahir was on the initial stretch of the zipline from Albaredo to Bema and was close to the endpoint when the accident took place, as reported by local media.
Witnesses reported that after hanging vertically for a short period, she then fell.
Authorities’ preliminary investigation revealed that Moutahir had stopped near the zipline’s termination point, began to struggle, and her feet slipped from their position, according to a police spokesperson.
The spokesperson added, “This caused her to lose her balance, resulting in a fall from the harness. She dropped around 65 feet into the forest below, where she died instantly from her injuries.”
This incident raises pressing questions about safety standards at adventure parks. Zipline attractions, known for their adrenaline-inducing experiences and stunning views, generally adhere to strict safety protocols. However, the occurrence of such an incident, particularly with safety equipment designed to prevent such accidents, calls for scrutiny. The harness system, a vital aspect of zipline safety, failed in this case, resulting in a fatal outcome.
Investigation and Response
Officials have started a comprehensive inquiry into the factors contributing to Moutahir’s fall. The investigation covers both the mechanical elements of the zipline equipment and the operational procedures followed by the park staff. In response, Fly Emotion park has temporarily closed the zipline attraction to enable the investigation and to ensure no further risks exist.
Community and Family Reaction
The local community and park visitors are shocked by the incident. Moutahir’s family, particularly the young nieces who witnessed the accident, are receiving psychological support to assist them through this traumatic event. The community has come together to offer support and condolences, reflecting the deep impact of the incident on locals and tourists alike.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
This incident has led to demands for increased supervision of adventure parks in Italy and globally. Legal professionals speculate that this could result in tighter regulations and possibly legal actions against the operators if negligence is proven. The findings of the investigation will likely impact future safety protocols and regulatory actions in the adventure tourism industry.
