LIMEIRA, Brazil — A 21-year-old university student died in a horrifying bungee jumping accident after instructors launched her from a 130-foot-high abandoned bridge without connecting her safety cord, shocking footage of the incident has revealed.

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas was attempting a special “airplane-style” jump at the Ponte do Esqueleto (Skeleton Bridge) in Limeira, São Paulo state, when the fatal mistake occurred. In the stunt, she was lifted horizontally onto the shoulders of two instructors with her arms outstretched before being thrown off the platform.

Video circulating online shows the terrifying moment: Maria is carried to the edge and launched into the air — while her bungee cord remains visibly coiled on the platform behind her, unattached. Bystanders can be heard desperately screaming “the rope! The rope!” as she plummeted.

Witnesses reported that the bungee operation was rushing to clear a long queue of customers after earlier rain delays. Maria had paid for the jump and an extra 360-degree GoPro camera, which she was holding when she fell.

Three instructors have been arrested and charged with homicide. During questioning, they reportedly struggled to explain basic safety protocols, with one admitting there was no fixed checklist for verifying the cord attachment.

A nurse who reached Maria after the fall found her still showing faint signs of life and attempted to keep her conscious, but she succumbed to her catastrophic injuries. Maria’s fiancé, who witnessed the tragedy, was hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency.

The companies operating the bungee jumps are now under intense scrutiny. Brazilian authorities have launched a full investigation into safety violations and negligence at the site.

This devastating incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with many questioning how such a basic and critical safety failure could occur in a high-risk adventure activity. Maria Eduarda, an aspiring physical education teacher, was remembered by friends and family as a vibrant and adventurous young woman.

Our deepest condolences go out to Maria’s family, friends, and all who are mourning her loss. 💔

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the absolute necessity of rigorous safety standards in extreme sports. Investigations are ongoing.