Teen Plunges to Death from Zipline Ride During Family Outing

In a heartbreaking incident that has raised serious questions about safety standards at adventure attractions, a 16-year-old boy lost his life after falling approximately 45 feet from a zipline in Agra. The accident occurred at Agra Chaupati, a popular recreational spot in Tajnagri Phase-2, shortly after the teenager and his family had visited the iconic Taj Mahal.

Kunal Agarwal, a Class XI student from Firozabad, was on a much-anticipated family trip with his parents and younger brother. His father, Pankaj Agarwal, a bangles trader, recounted that the outing had been planned at the insistence of the children. After exploring several locations and watching a movie, the family arrived at Agra Chaupati around 5 pm on Sunday evening.

Excited to experience the zipline, Kunal persuaded his family to purchase a Rs 400 ticket for the ride. As his parents and brother watched from nearby, the teenager stepped onto the platform. Moments after his feet left the starting point barely 10 feet into the ride the pulley lock reportedly failed, causing him to plummet. A video captured the terrifying sequence as Kunal hit a platform before crashing to the ground. Bystanders and family members rushed to his aid, but he was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

Pankaj Agarwal expressed profound grief, describing the unimaginable horror of witnessing his son’s fatal fall. He attributed the tragedy to gross negligence by the ride operators, stating that their carelessness had cost him his son.

ALSO READ : 12 Year Old Girl From Nagpur, Critically Injured After Zipline Harness Fails Mid-Air In Manali | Watch Video

Agra Police have registered an FIR against three individuals, including the zipline owner and manager, under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Deputy Commissioner of Police Syed Ali Abbas confirmed that Santosh Kumar Dubey (58) and Abhishek (27) have been arrested. Authorities have highlighted multiple safety violations at the site, including the absence of a helmet for the rider and lack of protective netting or cushioning below the ride to mitigate fall impacts. The zipline spans nearly 100 feet at a height of about 45 feet.

A technical inspection of the equipment is underway as part of the ongoing investigation. Preliminary findings point to inadequate safety protocols by the operators.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent safety measures at public adventure facilities, especially those frequented by families and young visitors.