Bungee jumping is often seen as the ultimate adrenaline rush. But for Erin Langworthy, a young Australian traveler, what was meant to be an exhilarating leap of faith turned into a harrowing fight for survival when her cord snapped mid-air, plunging her into crocodile-infested waters below. Her story is a chilling reminder of the risks involved in extreme sports.
The Bungee Jumping Leap of Faith
Erin Langworthy, then in her early twenties in 2017, took a trip to Zambia. She was eager to spend her time exploring Zambia’s adventurous offerings. One such thrill was a bungee jump from the iconic bridge spanning the Zambezi River, a hotspot for thrill-seekers worldwide. What however began as a daring adventure quickly turned into a nightmare. The cord that was intended to secure her safety snapped. This led to Erin plummeting 360 feet into the river below her.
A video capturing the incident shows the terrifying moment Langworthy hit the water with immense force. The Zambezi River, known for its fast-moving currents and crocodile inhabitants, presented immediate dangers beyond her injuries. Langworthy later described the bungee jumping moment in an interview, saying, “I was completely black and blue, my lungs were filled with blood and water.” The impact left her disoriented, yet she summoned the strength to stay afloat as the river carried her downstream.