Dandeli Zipline Accident: Karnataka Man Falls Nearly 40 Feet

A 24-year-old man from Karnataka suffered serious injuries after falling nearly 30 to 40 feet during a zipline ride at a private resort in Dandeli, Uttara Kannada district. His family has alleged equipment failure and negligence, while the resort management has denied the accusations and described the incident as an unfortunate accident.

Zipline Ride Ends in Serious Fall

The injured man has been identified in media reports as Kuber Surpur, a resident of Vijayapura district. The incident reportedly took place on July 3 at Sterling River Resort in Dandeli, where he had gone with his brother.

According to the family, Kuber was midway through the zipline ride when the safety lock allegedly failed, causing him to fall to the ground. His brother reportedly recorded the incident on a mobile phone.

The video shows the fall, but it does not independently confirm whether the accident was caused by a broken lock, equipment failure, operational error or another factor.

Multiple Fractures and Nerve Damage

Kuber reportedly suffered fractures in both arms and both legs, along with severe nerve damage. He was initially taken to Dandeli Government Hospital and was later shifted to Vijayapura for further treatment.

He was subsequently moved to Miraj for specialised medical care. Reports indicate that he underwent surgery and may require additional procedures for injuries to his arms and legs.

His family said the accident has caused serious physical suffering and placed a heavy financial burden on them. His latest medical condition and expected recovery period have not been officially disclosed.

Family Alleges Resort Negligence

The victim’s family has accused the resort of failing to maintain the zipline equipment properly. They alleged that the safety mechanism gave way during the ride and claimed that poor maintenance may have contributed to the fall.

The family also said that resort representatives initially assured them that they would help cover the medical expenses but later failed to fulfil the commitment. They are now seeking accountability and action over the alleged safety lapses.

However, no publicly available technical inspection report has confirmed that equipment failure caused the accident.

Resort Denies Safety Lapses

Sterling River Resort has denied the negligence allegations. The management described the incident as an unfortunate mishap and rejected claims that the accident occurred because of safety failures.

The resort manager reportedly acknowledged the incident and said he would meet the injured man’s family. However, no detailed public explanation has been provided regarding equipment inspections, maintenance records or the exact cause of the fall.

Official Findings Still Awaited

There is currently no confirmed public information on whether a police complaint or FIR has been registered, whether officials inspected the zipline equipment or whether the activity has been suspended.

The accident has renewed concerns about safety at adventure tourism facilities. Activities such as ziplining require regular equipment inspections, trained operators, secure harnesses and clear emergency procedures.

Until an official technical investigation establishes the cause, the family’s claims of equipment failure and the resort’s denial of negligence remain disputed.