For many adrenaline junkies, bungee jumping is the epitome of a thrilling adventure. The rush of the freefall, the wind in your face, and the world upside down are all part of the exhilarating experience. But for Erin Langworthy, a young Australian in her early twenties, a bungee jump over the Zambezi River in Zambia turned into a harrowing tale of survival.

It was in 2012 that Erin while backpacking through Zambia, decided to take the leap of faith off a bridge that spanned the infamous river, known for its strong currents and the dangerous crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. The jump, which should have been a moment of pure joy, quickly spiralled into a nightmare when the bungee cord snapped, sending her plummeting 360 feet into the crocodile-infested waters below.

Australian tourist Erin Langworthy survived a 360-foot fall into the Zambezi River after her bungee cord snapped. Credit: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The shocking incident was captured on video and later shared on social media, showing the exact moment the cord gave way and Erin's body hit the water. The footage is heart-stopping, as viewers can see her struggling to stay afloat in the powerful currents of the Zambezi River.

Despite the terrifying fall and the immediate danger of the situation, Erin miraculously survived. She sustained severe bruising and internal injuries, including partially collapsed lungs filled with blood and river water. In a Cover-More YouTube video, Erin recounted the ordeal, saying, 'I was black and blue all over, my lungs were full of blood and water.'

Rescued by a staff member from the bungee company, Erin was quickly taken to a hospital in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. There, she was treated for her injuries, which thankfully did not include any broken bones. However, the dirty water she had ingested posed a significant risk of infection, and she was placed on a ventilator and given antibiotics as a precaution.

Reflecting on the incident, Erin told the Guardian about the fear she felt as she coughed up blood and worried about internal injuries. 'I just felt exhausted and struggled to process what had happened,' she said. Despite jumping at 5.30 pm, it wasn't until 11 pm that she arrived at the hospital for the urgent medical care she needed.

The bungee company, astounded by her survival, visited Erin in the hospital to apologise for the incident. Meanwhile, a postcard Erin had jokingly sent to her mother the day before the jump gained a new significance. 'I'm doing a bungee jump tomorrow, so I'll say goodbye... only joking!' she had written. That postcard now holds a place of honour on the family's fridge, a stark reminder of the day's events, and Erin's mother is now firmly against any future thrill-seeking endeavours.

The video of Erin's jump, which shows her nervously getting into the harness and being pushed to the edge of the platform, serves as a chilling reminder of the risks involved in extreme sports. The ride operator's casual conversation with Erin, asking if she wanted a countdown or a surprise drop, contrasts sharply with the life-threatening fall that followed.

Erin's story is a testament to the unpredictability of adventure sports and the importance of safety measures. It's a cautionary tale that reminds us of the fine line between seeking thrills and courting disaster. For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, many of whom have seen their fair share of life's ups and downs, Erin's experience is a stark reminder to always weigh the risks and ensure safety is the top priority in any adventure.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• Erin Langworthy, an Australian tourist, experienced a life-threatening event when her bungee cord snapped, causing her to fall 360 feet into the crocodile-infested Zambezi River.
• Despite struggling in the water after the fall and suffering severe injuries, including partially collapsed lungs from the incident, Langworthy miraculously survived.
• Langworthy was eventually rescued and taken to a nearby hospital in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where she received medical treatment for her injuries and was placed on a ventilator due to concerns about the dirty water she had ingested.
• The bungee jumping company issued an apology for the incident and Langworthy's mother, upon learning of the ordeal, has insisted that her daughter will not engage in thrill-seeking activities again anytime soon.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with extreme sports. Have you ever taken a leap of faith that didn't go as planned? How do you balance the thrill of adventure with the need for safety? Join the conversation below and let us know your take on this heart-stopping story.

 

[Gunpark]

I am sorry, but anyone who would trust their life to a piece of elastic or who jumps out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft, willingly, is looking for trouble. I have had some great adventures in my life, but none where I did not have some control over my destiny.

 

[NotNats]

One thing sticks in my mind looking at this - bloody hell look at the state of that cord. There is no way in hell I would trust my life with that cord. Thats asking for trouble. She was incredibly lucky to survive let alone not get attacked by the water lizards.

 

[SGH]

I have been tandem skydiving, aerobatic flying, rode all the rides at Australia's Wonderland, and several more theme parks, and it has been absolutely great. There is always a risk in life and if we sit back and never try anything outside our comfort zone we may as well forget living. We need something to remember when we get old to look back on and smile about.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I have been tandem skydiving, aerobatic flying, rode all the rides at Australia's Wonderland, and several more theme parks, and it has been absolutely great. There is always a risk in life and if we sit back and never try anything outside our comfort zone we may as well forget living. We need something to remember when we get old to look back on and smile about.

You really can't compare rides at Wonderland or any theme park that is designed also for kids to bungy jumping or jumping out of a plane. 90% of us did the theme park rides as kids.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

If you are going to do these type of adrenalin activities at lease do them in a country like ours where the safety measures are taken very seriously. Unless you notify travel insurance companies that you intend to do this then your cover is null and void.

 

[SGH]

You really can't compare rides at Wonderland or any theme park that is designed also for kids to bungy jumping or jumping out of a plane. 90% of us did the theme park rides as kids.

I did the rides as an adult with my kids. And I did jump out of a plane with a very nice young man attached to my back. They no longer allow you to solo straight up unless you are in the Army. My son asked why my husband always gives me presents that could get me killed, his answer was "your mother is an adrenalin junky".

 

[Sue's]

The only good thing about this dive was the total impact into the waters may have scared the crocs off. I wonder how long it took for them to retrieve her.

 

[mylittletibbies]

If you are going to do these type of adrenalin activities at lease do them in a country like ours where the safety measures are taken very seriously. Unless you notify travel insurance companies that you intend to do this then your cover is null and void.

Most insurance policies do not cover any stupid risk taking activities. Whether you advise them or not
Insurance is not meant to cover stupidity. Especially overseas, when people expect to be flown back home at astronomical expense.
If you want to do these so called adrenalin activities then you have to cop the consequences if things go wrong.

 

[Jest]

bungee jump in nz no nasties there.

 

[bombadier]

I did the rides as an adult with my kids. And I did jump out of a plane with a very nice young man attached to my back. They no longer allow you to solo straight up unless you are in the Army. My son asked why my husband always gives me presents that could get me killed, his answer was "your mother is an adrenalin junky".

You can still attain qualifications to sky dive solo you just have to go through a free-fall course, gotta do a few jumps though. I'd stick to to static or tandem myself, and bugger a peice of elastic rather take chances with parachute.

 

[deni67]