Man Survives Bungee Jump Gone Wrong
A 21-year-old British man is considering himself extremely lucky to be alive after a botched bungee jump.
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October 9, 2009
In most cases falling from 165 feet would not constitute a prologue to a story of survival, but a 21-year-old British man is considering himself extremely lucky to be alive after a botched bungee jump.
Earlier this week, Rishi Baveja told the Today Show that as he was falling from the jumping platform during a recent trip to Thailand his bungee cord detached from his legs and he landed chest-first in the water at 80 mph.
Miraculously, the man survived despite two collapsed lungs, a torn liver and a ruptured spleen which had to be removed. Still, the experience has apparently not quenched his sense of adventure as Baveja has vowed to go bungee jumping again and even try skydiving.
By some estimates, a total of 372 people have died in the U.S. as a result of bungee jumping accidents. Experts say the most common causes include safety harness failure, miscalculation of cord elasticity and improper attachment of the cord the jump platform. It is therefore important to use only legitimate, properly licensed and experienced providers, and double-check the equipment before jumping.
According to Trails.com, a guide to the outdoors, wearing a full body covering safety harness can provide additional reassurance.
Survivors and their loved ones coping with the aftermath of a sports accident may find valuable resources on the website of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress or the Trauma Resource Institute, which also accepts donations.
In most cases falling from 165 feet would not constitute a prologue to a story of survival, but a 21-year-old British man is considering himself extremely lucky to be alive after a botched bungee jump.
Earlier this week, Rishi Baveja told the Today Show that as he was falling from the jumping platform during a recent trip to Thailand his bungee cord detached from his legs and he landed chest-first in the water at 80 mph.
Miraculously, the man survived despite two collapsed lungs, a torn liver and a ruptured spleen which had to be removed. Still, the experience has apparently not quenched his sense of adventure as Baveja has vowed to go bungee jumping again and even try skydiving.
By some estimates, a total of 372 people have died in the U.S. as a result of bungee jumping accidents. Experts say the most common causes include safety harness failure, miscalculation of cord elasticity and improper attachment of the cord the jump platform. It is therefore important to use only legitimate, properly licensed and experienced providers, and double-check the equipment before jumping.
According to Trails.com, a guide to the outdoors, wearing a full body covering safety harness can provide additional reassurance.
Survivors and their loved ones coping with the aftermath of a sports accident may find valuable resources on the website of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress or the Trauma Resource Institute, which also accepts donations.
