A thrilling adventure activity turned into a nightmare in Rishikesh when a young man's bungee jumping rope snapped during his jump, sending him plummeting approximately 80 feet and leaving him fighting for his life.
The Horrific Incident Unfolds
The accident occurred on November 14, 2025, at a popular bungee jumping facility located in the Mohan Chatti area of Rishikesh, a city renowned as India's adventure sports capital. The victim, identified as 26-year-old Mohit Khanduri, had embarked on what should have been an exhilarating experience.
Eyewitness videos that subsequently went viral on social media platforms capture the terrifying moment. Khanduri can be seen taking the leap from the jumping platform, but instead of the controlled rebound, the bungee cord suddenly snaps mid-air. The footage shows him falling uncontrollably before crashing onto the safety airbag placed below, which failed to prevent serious injury due to the force and nature of the fall.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
Following the impact, there was immediate chaos at the scene. Staff and fellow tourists rushed to Khanduri's aid. He was reported to have sustained multiple severe injuries, including serious damage to his spinal cord.
He was initially rushed to a nearby hospital in Rishikesh for emergency medical attention. Given the critical nature of his injuries, particularly the spinal trauma, doctors later recommended his transfer to a more advanced medical facility. He was subsequently moved to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, where he remains in critical condition under close observation by a team of specialists.
Growing Concerns Over Adventure Sport Safety
This incident has ignited a fierce debate about the safety protocols and regulatory oversight of adventure sports operations in India, particularly in hubs like Rishikesh that attract thousands of thrill-seekers annually.
Local authorities have confirmed that an official investigation is underway. The focus is on determining the cause of the rope failure, which could include factors like equipment wear and tear, improper maintenance, faulty installation, or the use of substandard materials. The adventure company operating the bungee jumping facility is now under intense scrutiny.
This is not the first safety scare in the region's adventure tourism industry. Past incidents have periodically raised red flags about whether safety standards are being consistently enforced across all operators. Tourists often rely on the reputation of these establishments without independently verifying their safety certifications and equipment inspection records.
The shocking event serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with extreme sports. It underscores the urgent need for participants to rigorously vet operators and for regulatory bodies to implement and enforce stricter, more frequent safety audits to prevent such tragedies in the future.
