Swing rides around China closed after fatal Sichuan accident

Several scenic areas across China have suspended their rope and high-altitude swing attractions for safety inspections following a fatal accident at an adventure park in Sichuan province in which a tourist died after the rope snapped during her ride.

The accident took place on Sunday at a park in Huaying, Sichuan province, where a female tourist surnamed Liu was injured on a waterfall swing — a high-altitude attraction where riders are launched from a cliff — and died on the way to hospital, according to CCTV News.

A video showing the rope snapping mid-ride drew widespread attention online.

According to a notice issued on Tuesday, an investigation was launched immediately after the accident, with preliminary findings indicating it was a workplace safety incident attributable to the operating company. Those responsible are being handled in accordance with the law and regulations, while the park remains closed for rectification.

In the wake of the accident, several other scenic spots have taken similar swing rides offline, according to Jimu News.

The Yatianxia rope-swing attraction at Henan's Baoquan scenic area was suspended from Thursday. When asked whether the move was prompted by the Sichuan accident, a member of staff at the scenic area said: "We need to carry out a comprehensive inspection."

Visitors who had already purchased tickets can apply for full refunds, the staff member added.

The Jiulong Waterfall giant swing at Baiyun Mountain scenic area in Luoyang, Henan — promoted with a "100-meter vertical drop and 45-degree extreme swing" as its main draw — has also closed, with a member of staff saying a date for reopening has not been set.

The Wuzhifeng Scenic Area at Mangshan Tourism Zone in Chenzhou, Hunan province, has likewise indefinitely suspended operations of its rope-swing, with the ride no longer appearing on the area's online ticketing page.