Sichuan Cliff Swing Accident: 16-Year-Old Female Tourist Falls to Her Death; Two Responsible Persons Referred for Prosecution

A fatal safety accident involving a cliff swing occurred at the Maliuyan Waterfall Scenic Area in Huaying City, Guang'an, Sichuan, in which a 16-year-old female tourist fell to her death while participating in the activity.

The investigation report directly identifies operational error and the absence of on-site safety measures as the direct causes.

Two responsible persons have been referred to judicial authorities for criminal liability, and the incident has exposed gaps in the operating company's safety management and government oversight.

Key points of this article: The accident occurred on May 3, 2026, at the Maliuyan Waterfall Scenic Area in Huaying City, Guang'an, Sichuan.

A 16-year-old female tourist accidentally fell while riding the cliff swing (a giant swing attraction) and died on the way to the hospital.

The direct cause of the accident was that the operator failed to strictly follow operating procedures, causing the release device to open prematurely, and there was a lack of safety precautions against accidental falls at the scene.

Two responsible persons have been referred to judicial authorities for criminal liability.

Investigation report reveals multiple safety failures According to the report of the accident investigation team of the Huaying Municipal People's Government, the direct cause of the accident was that the attraction operator incorrectly operated the release rope, causing the release device of the quick-release hook to open prematurely before the sliding load-bearing structure was in place, separating the chrysanthemum rope from the quick-release hook.

At the same time, there were insufficient safety precautions against accidental falls at the scene, ultimately causing the tourist to fall and strike the waterfall rock face.

Corporate management failures and regulatory gaps The report further points out that the operating company's primary responsibility for work safety was not fulfilled and its management was lacking; it failed to effectively identify and control safety risks and, in violation of regulations, assigned personnel who had not passed work safety education and training to work on the attraction.

In addition, the local government and relevant regulatory departments were also found to have inadequate safety supervision and gaps in oversight and inspection.

The entire incident was classified as an "ordinary work safety liability accident." Accountability and administrative penalties proceed in parallel Regarding problems in public officials' performance of duties, the matter has been referred to the disciplinary inspection and supervisory authorities for accountability.

The company involved and other relevant personnel are to be given administrative penalties by the relevant administrative authorities in accordance with the law.

Video from the scene at the time of the incident shows that before the female tourist began sliding out, someone had repeatedly shouted that the safety rope was not fastened properly, but the tragedy could not be avoided.

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