Tragedy struck at Entre Flores amusement park in Chinácota, Colombia, on Thursday, March 5, when a mother fell to her death from a giant slide. Yuris Cristel Camila García Manrique, aged 28, was using the attraction at the time of the incident, which has left the local community in shock.
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Reports from Colombian media outlets, including El Tiempo and La Prensa, detail the heartbreaking events leading up to Manrique’s fall. Footage from the park shows her at the summit of the slide, equipped with a helmet and seated on a tyre. Just before she started her descent, she was seen asking a member of staff whether someone would be waiting for her at the bottom. The attendant is said to have reassured her, responding positively and encouraging her not to be afraid.
Once on the slide, Manrique accelerated rapidly before tragically losing control and falling off as she approached a bend at the bottom. Witnesses reported hearing screams, with someone calling out in surprise, questioning whether she had indeed fallen.
The fall was approximately 15 feet, leading to severe injuries to Manrique’s brain, abdomen, and chest. Authorities confirmed that, despite urgent efforts to transport her to Erasmo Meoz University Hospital in Cúcuta, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead later that evening, around 9 p.m. local time.
In the wake of this tragic occurrence, Entre Flores amusement park released a statement expressing their sorrow and extending condolences to Manrique’s family. The park indicated that it “immediately activated the emergency and assistance protocols” following the incident and stated their commitment to cooperating fully with any ongoing investigations.
A preliminary medical report indicated that Manrique suffered from intracranial trauma alongside blunt thoracoabdominal trauma, both of which contributed to her passing. This alarming incident has prompted an investigation by the Chinácota Mayor’s Office, which is looking into the safety regulations and procedures in place at the amusement park.
Manrique’s mother, devastated by the loss, has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death, demanding accountability from those responsible. “It was our daughter who died. We demand a proper investigation and that those responsible for Camila’s death be held accountable,” she stated, seeking justice for her family.
The loss is made even more poignant by the fact that Manrique leaves behind a four-year-old daughter. This tragic event highlights concerns regarding safety standards at amusement parks and raises questions about the measures in place to protect guests.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young mother. Calls for change around amusement park safety regulations have intensified, with the hope that such a heartbreaking incident does not occur again in the future.
The Chinácota Mayor’s Office has been approached for further comments regarding the ongoing inquiry into the incident, as the community and Manrique’s family await answers and accountability.