Chiang Mai’s ‘grand canyon’ in the Hang Dong district will be temporarily suspending their cliff diving services after the death of a Thai tourist who died in a cliff diving accident.
The tourist, Hassanai Channa, 25, died from a broken neck after jumping into the pond from the cliff. Unfortunately, after jumping, his friend jumped in right after him, following closely behind Hassanai at a dangerous speed.
The cliff jumping operator, Chatkarin Trakulinson, said that it was an unfortunate accident. Hassanai and his friend jumped off the cliff while the guard wasn’t looking, even though there are normally around 6 guards on duty at all times.
Chatkarin assures that cliff jumping from the Chiang Mai grand canyon is completely safe, and that there are enough safety standards in place. Tourists must wear the proper clothing and life jackets before entering the water, and should only jump under guard supervision. Supposedly, if tourists follow the strict rules, the activity is completely safe.
According to the Fifth Region Provincial Police deputy commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Pacha Ratanaphan, the forensic pathologists at Maharaja Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital are conducting an autopsy to find the exact cause of Hassanai’s death. They assume it will be from drowning or from a broken neck.
If Hassanai’s death was caused by impact from the close range jump, his friend will be charged. However, if the investigation shows that the jumping was caused by reckless operation of the service, then the cliff jumping operator will be charged, reported Thai PBS.
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