In a world where our smartphones are constant companions, we often find ourselves engrossed in their screens, oblivious to our surroundings. A recent incident in Japan serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of smartphone distraction.
According to TBS News, on November 4th, in Higashiizu town, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan; a young woman in her 20s met a tragic end when her obsession with her phone led her to fall from a bridge that was about 40 metres high, roughly the height of a 12-floor HDB flat.
Understanding the Tragedy
The incident unfolded at approximately 9:40 am local time when the woman, who had come from Chiba to visit her father in Higashiizu town, fell from a bridge, plummeting approximately 40 meters to the ground. Her father, understandably distraught, called the police to report the incident.
According to reports, the father and daughter, along with one of his friends, were on their way to share a meal together.
Tragically, the woman’s curiosity got the best of her as she “wanted to see a deer.” She exited the car, but instead of finding wildlife, she found herself on the edge of the bridge, using her smartphone to capture photos.
It was during this moment of distraction that she lost her balance and fell. She was subsequently conveyed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Image source: TBS News
Other tall structures’ tragedies
In a shocking turn of events, a popular tourist attraction in Central Java, Indonesia, turned into a scene of horror when a glass bridge shattered on October 25.
This tragic incident claimed the life of one tourist and left three others injured. The Geong, a renowned tourist spot situated amidst the serene Limpakuwus Pine Forest, has been drawing visitors from far and wide, making this unfortunate occurrence all the more startling.
11 tourists ventured onto the glass bridge. It was meant to be a memorable experience, but it turned into a nightmare when the bridge suddenly gave way, according to The Jakarta Post.
Two tourists plummeted to the ground, while two others desperately clung to the bridge’s frame. Tragically, one of the tourists who fell to the ground lost their life, while the other sustained minor injuries.
Prior to this catastrophic incident, concerns about the safety standards of The Geong had been raised on social media platforms. Eko Purnomo, chairman of the Limpakuwus Pine Forest Cooperative, had taken the initiative to reach out to the management of The Geong, urging them to conduct a safety evaluation.
Alarming reports from netizens prompted this crucial step, emphasizing the need for ensuring the attraction’s safety.
However, what followed was an unfortunate display of negligence. The manager of The Geong failed to attend the meeting with Purnomo personally and sent a representative instead, laying down the groundwork for the subsequent disaster.
Police investigations conducted after the tragedy unveiled shocking details. The glass flooring of the bridge was a mere 1.2cm in thickness, far below the required safety standards.
It was also evident that the bridge had not been properly maintained, and no safety testing had been conducted on the bridge.
Furthermore, there were no safety nets, warning signs, or safety instructions in place to guide visitors.
Adding to the list of oversights, it was discovered that the ticket attendants at The Geong lacked the knowledge and expertise necessary to guide tourists safely across the bridge.
They primarily relied on their experience in the tourism industry, which proved to be insufficient in ensuring the safety of visitors.
