In 2012, Australian tourist Erin Langworthy experienced a harrowing ordeal when her bungee cord snapped during a jump over the Zambezi River, plunging her into crocodile-infested waters. Remarkably, she survived the 360-foot fall with minor injuries.
The Fateful Jump
Langworthy, 22 at the time, was on an adventure trip in Zambia and decided to bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, a popular spot spanning the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. As she leapt, the bungee cord snapped, sending her plummeting into the river below. Footage of the incident shows her free-falling into the water, her feet still bound by the cord.
Survival Against the Odds
Upon hitting the river, Langworthy was submerged and had to navigate the strong currents with her feet tied together. She managed to free herself when the cord got snagged on rocks and swam to the Zimbabwean side of the river. Despite the presence of crocodiles, she avoided further harm. Langworthy was eventually rescued and taken to a hospital in Victoria Falls, where she was treated for a fractured collarbone and other injuries.
Aftermath and Reflection
Langworthy spent a week in the hospital recovering. She later recounted the experience, expressing gratitude for her survival and acknowledging the risks involved in such activities. The bungee company involved visited her in the hospital to apologize and expressed astonishment at her survival. Langworthy’s story serves as a testament to human resilience and the importance of safety measures in adventure sports.
Plunged Into Peril: Fighting for Survival
The Zambezi River is not just known for its powerful currents — it is also home to crocodiles and hippos, both of which pose serious risks to swimmers, especially in turbulent sections like the Batoka Gorge. Langworthy hit the water with tremendous force, dislocating her shoulder and suffering deep cuts and bruises. Despite the impact and the restraints on her feet, she remained conscious and managed to surface. With the torn bungee cord still attached, she was dragged underwater repeatedly as the current pulled her downstream. “It was like being in a washing machine,” she later recalled in interviews. “I was getting sucked under and then thrown back up again.” Langworthy had to swim to the shore with her legs still bound, using only her arms for propulsion.
Rescue and Recovery
Langworthy eventually reached the riverbank after fighting the current for what she estimated was around 40 minutes. She was rescued by local guides and rushed to a hospital in Zimbabwe. Amazingly, she escaped with only a few fractures, bruises, and a deep appreciation for life. She credited her survival to staying calm and not panicking, even when faced with extreme danger. The incident made headlines around the world, sparking debates about bungee jumping safety, particularly in developing countries where regulations can be lax or inconsistently enforced.
Safety Concerns and Industry Response
In the aftermath, the company that operated the bungee jump faced heavy scrutiny. It was later revealed that the cord had snapped due to a rare manufacturing defect. Operators claimed it was a “freak accident,” but many called for stricter inspections, maintenance, and emergency protocols to prevent similar tragedies. The Zambian Tourism Minister at the time reassured the public that the event was an anomaly and emphasized that safety measures would be reinforced going forward. Despite the global attention, the Victoria Falls bungee jump continued operating, with improved safety checks and more rigorous oversight.
Conclusion
Now over a decade later, Erin Langworthy continues to inspire others with her story of survival and resilience. She has appeared in numerous interviews and documentaries, urging thrill-seekers to always verify the safety standards of adventure operators — especially when abroad. Her story stands as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme sports and the importance of emergency preparedness. While many would have been traumatized, Langworthy says the experience gave her a greater appreciation for life and an unshakable will to keep exploring — albeit with a bit more caution.
