Zipline Nightmare: Tourist Critically Injured After 40-Foot Fall at Dandeli Resort

DANDELI, KARNATAKA — A recreational zipline ride at a private resort in Uttara Kannada district turned into a life-threatening nightmare when a 24-year-old tourist plummeted nearly 40 feet due to a sudden equipment failure. The horrifying incident was captured entirely on a family member's camera and has sparked intense national debate over safety regulations in India's adventure tourism sector.

The victim, identified as Kuber Surpur, a resident of Vijayapura district, was vacationing at the Starling River Resort in the popular eco-tourism hub of Dandeli.

While sliding down the resort's zipline facility, the ride’s safety harness lock unexpectedly gave way midway across the line. With nothing left to secure him, Surpur instantly lost his grip and plunged an estimated 30 to 40 feet to the ground below. The entire incident was caught live on a mobile phone by his brother, who was filming the ride from the ground.

The impact of the high-altitude fall caused catastrophic injuries. Medical reports confirm that Surpur sustained multiple severe fractures to both his arms and legs, alongside extensive nerve damage.

He was rushed to the Government Hospital in Dandeli for emergency primary stabilization. Due to the deteriorating nature of his condition, he was later transferred to a medical facility in Vijayapura before being referred to a specialized hospital in Miraj, Maharashtra, where he has undergone multiple complex surgeries.

The victim's family has expressed deep anger, accusing the resort management of severe maintenance lapses. They allege that the zipline harness system showed visible signs of rust and poor upkeep. Additionally, the family claims that the resort initially promised to cover all escalating medical expenses but later backed out of the commitment.

"This accident was entirely preventable. They are operating high-risk adventure sports without basic, rigorous safety inspections," a family member stated, demanding a strict police investigation.

Starling River Resort management has strongly denied the allegations of systemic negligence. In an official statement, the resort termed the event a deeply "unfortunate mishap" but maintained that all prescribed safety protocols and regular inspections were strictly in place at the time of the ride. Local authorities are currently reviewing the viral footage and inspecting the site to verify the resort's operating credentials.