Tourist died after glass bridge shattered. This could have been prevented
11:07 AM EDT, October 30, 2023
The renowned glass bridge nestled in the pine forest in Banyumas, Central Java, tragically collapsed under tourists. This unfortunate event led to one fatality and several injuries. Police have launched an investigation, with indications emerging that complaints were previously raised about the bridge's unstable structure and overcrowding.
The disaster unfolded on October 24 in the Limpakuwus pine forest, situated in Banyumas, Central Java. Sunarto, a local worker, recounted hearing the glass bridge crack around 4:00 AM EDT. Two people plummeted into the crevice below, one of whom tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Several other tourists also sustained injuries.
Tragedy on the glass bridge
The Banyumas City Police Chief, Edy Suranta Sitepu, verified the initiation of a police investigation into the incident. It became evident that this calamity could have been avoided, as there were ample previous warnings.
The bridge had its official opening last April, during the Idul Fitri holiday. The Jakarta Post reported that just weeks later, the Limpakuwus Pine Forest Cooperative's president, Eko Purnomo, approached The Geong, the bridge manager, to propose a safety assessment of the new tourist attraction. Numerous concerns were voiced about the structure's instability and the excessive number of tourists permitted on the bridge simultaneously.
A local inspection carried out the day subsequent to the tragedy revealed that the bridge did not comply with safety standards. The thickness of the bridge's glass was a meager 0.47 inches. The standard for similar structures typically requires a glass thickness of approximately two inches. The bridge's framework was also substandard and should have been disallowed from use.
The entire tourist site has been closed off as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are determining why the operation of the bridge was permitted despite its apparent violation of basic standards. Individuals involved in the construction and operation of the bridge could potentially face liability.
