NESSEBAR, BULGARIA – Paragliding expert Sotir Lazarkov has shed light on the possible causes of the tragic incident in Nessebar, which resulted in the death of an eight-year-old child. According to him, the main problem may lie in the condition of the safety harnesses, which broke during the incident. Lazarkov speculates that they may not have been made of suitable materials or were severely worn out.
The tragic news of the child's death has shaken the seaside town and triggered a wave of concern and questions among locals and tourists who are watching the events with visible shock.
Lazarkov, who is well-known in the extreme sports community, stressed that it is extremely important for such equipment to be kept in impeccable condition. He insisted that safety harnesses must be checked daily and replaced at least once every three years.
"It is normal for such a harness to be considered worn out and replaced with a new one between 1 and 3 years"“, said Sotir Lazarkov on the show “The Day Begins”. He added that in the case of the fatal incident, the harnesses were likely used many times beyond this recommended period.
The expert detailed the procedures that operators of such attractions should strictly follow.
"Before and after each flight, they remove it from the person who used it. During each such action, they must carefully inspect the harness for frayed areas, a seam that has started to tear slightly. A buckle that has started to wear out the belt itself"“, explained Lazarkov.
His words emphasize the need for increased attention and responsibility. Lazarkov is adamant that at the slightest doubt about the equipment's integrity, it must be taken out of use and replaced with a new one.
"At the slightest doubt, this harness must be replaced"“, he stated, thus sending a clear message about the priority of safety.
The tragedy in Nessebar raises serious questions about the control and regulation of attractions on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and has sparked a public debate on how to prevent such incidents in the future. It remains to be seen what measures the authorities will take in response to the growing scandal.