On August 10, a tragic accident occurred at the popular Detian Waterfall Scenic Area, located on the border between China and Vietnam, leading to the death of one tourist and injuries to 60 others.
Tragic accident at Detian Waterfall. Video by Beijing News/Sina Weibo
The incident took place when a Magic Carpet ride, designed to transport visitors to a higher vantage point for viewing the waterfall, malfunctioned.
According to a report by Beijing News, a witness described the chaotic scene as the ride continued to operate despite the malfunction, with tourists becoming trapped and some sustaining severe injuries.
“I was at the corner of the stairs when I heard people screaming. The equipment kept moving, and some people got stuck. I saw one tourist with the skin on their arm peeling off,” the witness recalled.
In response to the accident, the Detian Waterfall Scenic Area has been temporarily closed, effective from August 11, with no date announced for its reopening.
The scenic area’s Magic Carpet ride, which usually carries around 3,000 tourists per hour between the China-Vietnam Border Street and the observation platform, remains suspended.
Detian Waterfall Scenic Area. Image by Billy Jiang/That’s
Detian Waterfall is a major summer tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors from China and Vietnam each year.
The scenic area is particularly popular during the summer months, this incident causing havoc for the many tourists who had visits planned.
For those who have included Detian Waterfall in their travel plans, That’s strongly advises contacting travel agencies and local hotels to avoid disruptions.
Fortunately, tourists who have already purchased tickets online can obtain refunds through the original ticketing platform.
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[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That’s]