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Indonesia: 32-ft Glass Bridge That Broke & Killed Tourist Was Just 1/2 Inch Thick. Can It Be Safe?

by Sanjana Shenoy
Indonesia: 32-ft Glass Bridge That Broke & Killed Tourist Was Just 1/2 Inch Thick. Can It Be Safe?

Skywalks or glass bridges are paving their way in the world of tourism. Garnering a lot of attention from tourists, glass bridges offer panoramic views and the thrill of walking on glass. But the recent glass bridge accident in Indonesia has us asking, are glass bridges really safe? On October 25, a 32-foot-high glass bridge in Indonesia broke, injuring one and killing another tourist. Now, investigators have cited that the bridge is not even half an inch thick. Unbelievable!

Glass Bridge In Indonesia Breaks; Investigators Say It Was 1/2 Inch Thick

According to an article in The Jakarta Post, a 32-foot-high suspension bridge in the Limpakuwus Pine Forest in Indonesia gave way on October 25. Located in Central Java’s Banyumas Regency, the glass panels on the bridge broke at 10 am when 11 tourists were walking on it. In a viral TikTok video that garnered two million views, a piece of glass can be seen falling on the ground. Locals were seen helping tourists navigate their way through the accident.

Amidst this commotion, one tourist fell off the bridge and sustained minor injuries. Another tourist succumbed to the fall. Following this unfortunate incident, the Banyumas Regency government has temporarily shut down all glass bridges in the country until they receive functional certificates.

According to Agus Supriadi, the head of the criminal investigation unit at Banyumas City Police spoke to The Post. He revealed that the construction company was responsible for this mishap as it used thin glass to build the bridge. Supriadi further added that the company was negligent. And the bridge, poorly maintained. It even failed to undergo safety testing.

What’s shocking is that the glass used to build the glass panel was not even half an inch thick. Imagine fully grown adults and children walking around glass that is not even half an inch thick.

Also Read: Indonesia Is Going To Launch A Golden Visa! Here’s All About Its Validity, Visa Waiver And More

Owner Arrested For Negligence; Raises Safety Concerns

Picture Credits: Canva

The police have held Edi Suseno, the owner and manager of this bridge responsible for this accident. They have charged him with negligence that led to the death of the tourist. As per The Post, Edi Suseno is detained. The chief senior commander of the Bayumas City Police, Edy Suranta Sitepu stated to Tribun Solo that the owner of the bridge faces 5-year imprisonment if found guilty.

Also Read: This 700-Year-Old Ganesha Idol Sits At The Mouth Of An Active Volcano In Indonesia. Been There?

This incident, has tourists wondering if skywalks in India are safe and strictly follow safety standards. From the 137-foot-high skywalk in Sikkim’s Pelling to Wayanad’s popular, 900 Kandi, India is home to breathtaking glass bridges. The 85-foot-long skywalk in Rajgir is inspired by China’s  Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. In 2021, a 330-foot-high bridge in China broke due to high winds, leaving a man dangling from it. While he was rescued in the nick of time, such incidents have definitely led to tourists questioning the safety of glass bridges.

Meanwhile, does this incident in Indonesia dissuade you from walking on a glass bridge in the future?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva

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