In a tragic incident at the Fly Emotion attraction in Orobie National Park, near Lake Como, Italy, 41-year-old Ghizlane Moutahir lost her life during a zipline ride. The event happened on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the scenic Bitto Valley.
According to witnesses, Moutahir was on the mile-long zipline ride, which can reach up to 60 miles per hour, when she began to experience difficulties. In a few moments, she slipped from her harness and fell approximately 65 feet to the ground. The horrifying scene unfolded in front of her nieces, who were also part of the zipline group.
Moutahir was nearing the endpoint of the zipline course from Albaredo to Bema when the accident occurred, as reported by local news agencies.
Onlookers reported that Moutahir was suspended in a vertical position for a short period before she fell.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Moutahir had stopped near the zipline’s ending 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 has raised concerns about safety standards at adventure parks. Ziplines, known for their adrenaline-inducing thrill and stunning views, are typically subject to strict safety procedures. However, the question remains as to how this accident happened, given the modern safety equipment designed to prevent such incidents. The safety harness, a crucial element of zipline safety, failed in this case, leading to fatal results.
Investigation and Response
In response to Moutahir’s fatal fall, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to the accident. The investigation focuses on both the zipline equipment and the operating procedures followed by the park staff. Fly Emotion park has temporarily halted the zipline attraction to aid the investigation and ensure no further hazards exist.
Community and Family Reaction
The incident has left the local community and park visitors in shock and sorrow. Moutahir’s family, especially her nieces who witnessed the accident, are being offered psychological support to help them deal with the traumatic event. The community has come together to offer their support and condolences, indicating the deep impact of the incident on both locals and visitors.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
This accident has led to calls for stricter regulation of adventure parks in Italy and globally. Legal experts suggest this could result in tougher rules and potential legal action against the operators if negligence is proven. The findings of the investigation are expected to impact future safety protocols and regulations in the adventure tourism industry.
