One dead, 60 injured after ‘magic carpet’ ride at Guangxi tourist spot Detian Waterfall malfunctions

A tourist was killed and dozens others injured on Saturday (Aug 10) following an accident at a popular tourist spot in China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The incident occurred after the “magic carpet” ride – used to ferry visitors up a mountain for scenic views of Detian Waterfall – malfunctioned. 

Detian Waterfall is a large transnational waterfall on the border between China and Vietnam.

The ride, resembling a human conveyor belt, helps travellers ascend the steep mountain more quickly. Riders must remain seated and are enclosed by what appears to be a transparent panel on both sides. 

According to a statement on the attraction’s Weibo account, the “equipment failure” resulted in the death of one tourist.

A total of 60 others were injured – one sustained serious injuries while 59 others had minor injuries. 

Although the statement did not elaborate on the nature of the accident, a Xiaohongshu user said passengers were thrown backwards and collided with one another. 

“Many people suffered fractures and there was blood everywhere,” the user “jojo” said on the social media platform.