On October 25, a tragic accident occurred on a suspension bridge in Indonesia when a glass panel broke, resulting in the death of a tourist. The incident took place at the Limpakuwus Pine Forest in Central Java’s Banyumas Regency, where the 32-foot-high bridge had become a popular attraction for visitors. According to The Jakarta Post, the glass shattered while 11 tourists were walking on the bridge at 10 a.m.
The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing over two million views. The footage shows a person hanging off the bridge, with two others desperately trying to pull them back up. A loud crashing sound can be heard as an object, presumably the broken glass, falls to the ground.
Local authorities have pointed fingers at the construction company responsible for the bridge, accusing them of negligence. According to Agus Supriadi, the head of the criminal investigation unit at Banyumas City Police, the company used thin glass and failed to properly maintain or conduct safety testing on the bridge. Supriadi’s claims were supported by investigators who revealed that the glass panels were less than half an inch thick. In comparison, the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona utilizes nearly 3-inch thick glass panels, which also have the advantage of being replaceable if damaged.
As a result of their findings, the chief senior commander of the Bayumas City Police, Edy Suranta Sitepu, announced that the owner and manager of the bridge, Edi Suseno, had been charged with negligence leading to the death of the tourist. Suseno has been detained pending further investigation. If found guilty, he could face up to five years in prison.
This incident is not the first time a glass suspension bridge has raised safety concerns. In May 2021, a man was left stranded on a glass bridge in China after strong winds shattered multiple panels. Similarly, in February 2022, cracks were discovered on the panels of Vietnam’s tallest glass suspension bridge, prompting authorities to conduct safety checks.
The tragic event in Indonesia serves as a reminder of the importance of proper construction and maintenance when it comes to tourist attractions. It also highlights the need for thorough safety testing to ensure the well-being of visitors.
