An Australian traveler fell 360 feet into crocodile-infested waters after her bungee cord snapped.
Erin Langworthy was exploring Zambia in 2012 when she made a decision to take on the challenge of bungee jumping from a bridge overlooking the Zambezi River, known for its strong currents and crocodile population.
What was supposed to be a thrilling experience took a terrifying turn when her bungee cord snapped mid-air, sending her plummeting 360 feet into the rushing waters below.
Footage that was shared on social media captured the moment Langworthy plunged into the water after the cord gave way.
The woman fell 360ft into crocodile-infested waters when her bungee cord snapped. Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel
Struggling against the powerful current, Langworthy fought to stay afloat as the river carried her downstream.
Miraculously, she survived the fall and the potential threat of lurking predators.
She reportedly had to swim with her feet tied together and free the cord as it got caught on rocks.
A staff member from the bungee company managed to rescue her from the river. Then, she was rushed to a hospital in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
In spite of Langworthy’s fall occurring at 5:30 p.m., she only arrived at the hospital by 11:00 p.m., where she was placed on a ventilator and administered antibiotics to prevent infection.
Medical professionals treated the young woman for injuries, such as partially collapsed lungs, and monitored her condition because of concerns over the contaminated water she had ingested.
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Fortunately, X-ray results confirmed that she had not suffered any broken bones.
“I started coughing up blood and began to worry about internal injuries. I just felt exhausted and struggled to process what had happened.”, Langworthy recalled In an interview with The Guardian.
The bungee company later visited the woman in the hospital to apologize for the accident and expressed astonishment that she had survived such a dangerous incident.
Langworthy has since shared a poignant detail about a lighthearted moment before her jump.
She had sent her mother a postcard jokingly stating: “I’m doing a bungee jump tomorrow, so I’ll say goodbye… only joking!”
The postcard has since become a treasured keepsake in her family’s home, though her mother remains adamant that she will not be participating in any similar activities in the future.
