Woman Dies After Being Thrown From Bridge Swing Without Safety Rope
Six people were arrested after 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died falling more than 131 feet from a bridge in Limeira, Sao Paulo. According to Military Police, staff at the attraction forgot to attach her safety rope before throwing her from the bridge in a “superman pose.”
How did the accident at Ponte do Esqueleto occur?
Staff at a popular attraction in Limeira threw Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas over a bridge ledge without a safety rope attached to her harness. Video footage shows two workers holding the 21-year-old in a “superman pose” seconds before releasing her into a freefall. Voices in the background of the recording are heard shouting, “the rope, people, the rope,” as she fell.
Military Police reported that witnesses confirmed employees forgot to connect the safety equipment prior to the jump. Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, pronounced Freitas dead at the scene. She had fallen more than 131 feet to the ground on a Saturday morning.
Who was Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas?
Freitas was a resident of nearby Jandira and held a degree in physical education and sports management. Her social media profiles showed a passion for nature and outdoor activities, and she was a supporter of the Santos Football Club.
Hours before the incident, Freitas posted a series of Instagram stories documenting her excitement. These posts included photos of her identification bracelets and the company representatives. In one post featuring the “Entre Cordas” company banner, she wrote, “Who was the crazy person who let me jump off a bridge?”
What happened to the companies Entre Cordas and Ih Voei?
Police arrested six individuals at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail immediately following the death. The staff members involved wore t-shirts identifying them with the companies Entre Cordas and Ih Voei.
Despite the fatality, the company’s website continued to advertise future jump dates. Bookings remained available for July 11 at the Ponte do Esqueleto location. The company also maintained advertisements for jumps in Rio Claro for June 14 and July 12, and in Minas Gerais for July 18 and 19.
How does this reflect trends in adventure tourism safety?
The incident highlights a critical gap in the oversight of unregulated extreme sports operators. While professional bungee jumping and bridge swinging typically require redundant safety checks, the Military Police report indicates a total failure of basic protocol in this instance.
The contrast between the fatal accident and the company’s decision to keep future dates open suggests a lack of immediate internal safety audits. This pattern is often seen in “adrenaline tourism” where rapid scaling outweighs safety infrastructure.
Comparison of Event Pricing and Locations
| Location | Price (Approx.) | Status Post-Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Ponte do Esqueleto | £26.50 (R$180) | Still advertised for July 11 |
| Rio Claro | £30.85 (R$210) | Advertised for June/July |
| Minas Gerais | £36.70 (R$250) | Planned for July 18-19 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the accident take place?
The incident occurred at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail in Limeira, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
What caused the fall?
According to Military Police and witness accounts, staff failed to attach the safety rope to the victim’s harness before throwing her from the bridge.
Were there any arrests?
Yes, six people were arrested at the scene following the death of Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas.
Which companies were involved?
The staff involved were wearing shirts from Entre Cordas and Ih Voei.
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