Karnataka tourist's 40-foot fall from Dandeli zipline sparks safety debate

A recreational zipline ride at a resort in Karnataka's Dandeli turned into a life-threatening accident after a tourist allegedly fell nearly 40 feet when the ride's safety system reportedly malfunctioned. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has reignited concerns over safety standards at adventure tourism destinations.

The victim, Kuber Surpur, a resident of Vijayapura, sustained multiple fractures to his arms and legs along with nerve injuries after plunging to the ground midway through the ride.

Safety harness failure

According to his family, the safety harness or locking mechanism failed while Kuber was suspended in the air, causing him to lose support and fall. They alleged that the zipline equipment showed signs of rust and poor upkeep, accusing the Starling River Resort management of negligence and inadequate maintenance.

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Kuber was initially taken to the Government Hospital in Dandeli before being shifted to a hospital in Vijayapura. Owing to the seriousness of his injuries, he was later referred to a specialised medical facility in Miraj, Maharashtra, where he is undergoing further treatment.

‘Resort management should be accountable’

His family has demanded strict action against the resort, arguing that the accident could have been avoided had the equipment been properly inspected and maintained.

The incident has prompted widespread outrage online, with many social media users questioning the safety protocols followed by adventure tourism operators.

"This is a terrible zipline design. The harness should have prevented him from falling even if he let go. How was this allowed to operate?" one user wrote. Another commented that operators often face only minor penalties after such incidents, calling for stronger accountability and stricter regulation of adventure sports facilities.

Safety lapses found

The accident has also drawn comparisons with a similar tragedy in Agra, where 16-year-old Kunal Agrawal was killed after a zipline cable snapped midway through a ride, causing him to fall nearly 45 feet at an amusement park in the Tajganj area.

Also read: Zipline tragedy: Bengaluru nurse dies after zipline cable snaps at resort

Following that incident, police arrested the park's manager and maintenance supervisor on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators had found serious safety lapses, including the absence of protective safety nets and mandatory helmets, raising broader concerns over regulatory oversight at adventure tourism and amusement facilities across the country.