A 52-year-old businessman was killed in a parasailing accident in Coimbatore on Sunday after falling from a height of 60-feet.
Malleshwar Rao from Peelamedu went parasailing at the Codissia Grounds on Sunday morning. Local reports suggest that the accident happened because the safety belt he was wearing was not latched on properly. Rao suffered severe injuries. He died on the way to a private hospital.
Rao was reportedly a sporting enthusiast, having recently completed a 25km marathon.
An eye-witness video shows Rao taking off, but within seconds of becoming airborne, the businessman dangles from a height of 60-feet, struggling to hold on. The video shows eye-witnesses rushing towards Rao as he falls to death.
The three-day parasailing festival was conducted by the Indian Aerospace Science Club. Earlier reports suggested that the event was held as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Coimbatore Medical College.
However, Dr. Edwin Jo, Principal at CMC denied such allegations. "Indian Aerospace Science Club wanted to hold a demonstration at our grounds on July 15 but they were unable to do so because of adverse weather conditions. Our golden jubilee celebrations were held last month and was presided by the state health minister."
People from the ages of 12 to 60 were allowed to parasail following a health check-up and paying up a fee of Rs 500.
A case has been registered against the director of the Indian Aerospace Science Club, Babu under section 304 (A) of the IPC.
Meanwhile, college authorities denied holding the event and shifted blame on the Indian Aerospace Science Club claiming they did not take proper permissions to conduct parasailing.
Strong winds in Coimbatore forced organisers to reduce the three-day event to two days.
Warning: Visuals are disturbing, viewer discretion is advised