Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Some thrill-seekers describe bungee jumping as an experience bordering on death, but few come as close to it as this man, who managed to survive despite a broken bungee, in Thailand.
This week, videos emerged about the terrifying experience of this 39-year-old tourist from Hong Kong, who told his story to CNN.
The tourist, who asked to use only his first name, Mike (to avoid online harassment), jumped from a 10-storey platform in Pattaya while on vacation in January this year.
Fortunately, he made the jump over a body of water. Milliseconds before he reached the end of his jump, the bungee cord snapped, and he fell into the water.
“I landed on my left side, so my injuries were more severe there,” Mike told CNN, and talked about the bruises left by that. “It was like someone hit me really hard.”
His jump was witnessed by friends who accompanied him at Changthai Thappraya Safari and Adventure Park.
Located northwest of Pattaya, the amusement park offers activities ranging from zip lining to live shooting.
Mike said he originally went to the park to try out the shooting range, but was encouraged to do the bungee jump after his friends beat him to it.
About this experience, he said, “It was very high up, so I closed my eyes, and planned to open my eyes again when the rope would bounce.” But, he added, “I realized the rope had snapped when I opened my eyes and was surrounded by water.”
He was able to float and swim even though the bottoms of his feet were tied to a cut bungee jump rope.
“If a person does not know how to swim, he will have a big problem,” he said.
Mike said the park reimbursed him for his jump and paid for the X-rays and ultrasounds he had in Thailand.
Nithit Intim, the theme park’s founder, confirmed the incident and said it was the first time he had seen the bungee jump rope break.
“After the rope broke, our staff immediately pulled (Mike) out of the water and asked him if he was okay,” he told CNN. Mike replied that he felt bruised. So we took him to the hospital.”
Intim said Mike signed a liability waiver before making the jump. He also sent a copy of the signed waiver document as well as copies of medical bills in Thailand.
“The staff explained that in the event of any mishap or any accident, our company will take care of the medical bills. But the customer cannot claim compensation for any kind of other expenses,” Intem added.
He added that the park would be willing to pay for any other direct medical expenses in Hong Kong if receipts were provided.
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