Authorities in Brazil are moving forward with plans to demolish an abandoned railway bridge in São Paulo state after a fatal bungee jumping accident [1] involving a 21-year-old student renewed concerns about safety at the site, as reported [2] by The New York Post.
A tragic accident occurred at Ponte do Esqueleto in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, when 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died after being launched from the bridge without a safety rope.#fblifestyle [3] pic.twitter.com/JwPC6eoYCJ [4]
— The Investigative (@AnonymousNewsHQ) June 19, 2026 [5]
The structure, commonly referred to by locals as the “Skeleton Bridge,” is located in Limeira and stands approximately 130 feet above the ground.
Officials say barriers and trenches have already been placed around the bridge as efforts continue to restrict access while plans for its demolition are developed.
The latest action follows the death of Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, who died Saturday during a rope-jumping event at the bridge.
According to Brazilian media reports, the accident occurred when she was sent from the structure without a rope attached.
The incident attracted national attention after video footage of the event circulated online.
The woman who was thrown off a 130-foot bridge without a cord in Brazil was still alive when an off-duty nurse got to her on the ground.
“I even talked to her… I told her, ‘Nobody dies on my shift.’ Even though I wasn’t on my shift…” said nurse Rayza Dias.
Three of the… pic.twitter.com/oEAzusrFV2 [6]
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 15, 2026 [7]
Reports indicate that de Freitas, an aspiring physical education teacher, was participating in a jump organized at the abandoned viaduct when the fatal accident occurred.
Following the incident, authorities in Limeira called on Brazil’s federal government to authorize the implosion and demolition of the bridge.
Local officials said removing the structure would help prevent future accidents [8] at the site, which has become a destination for thrill-seekers despite repeated warnings about safety concerns.
The push for demolition mirrors requests made by members of de Freitas’ family.
According to Brazilian journalist Paulo Mathias, the victim’s uncle, Luis, wrote to a local politician urging action.
He said he was spreading “the word about the bridge … so that it gets demolished as soon as possible.”
The bridge has been the subject of safety concerns for years. In 2024, local authorities dug trenches around the area in an effort to prevent vehicles and visitors from reaching the structure.
According to local reports, those barriers were later illegally filled in by trespassers, allowing continued access to the abandoned site.
In response to the latest incident, the city of Limeira announced plans to reopen the containment trenches while officials work through the process required to remove the bridge permanently.
Complicating matters is the ownership status of the structure. Reports indicate the bridge belonged to a railway company that no longer exists, leaving uncertainty over responsibility for maintaining or securing the site.
As a result, officials have not announced a specific timeline for demolition.
The criminal investigation into the accident is also continuing.
Authorities have charged three instructors in connection with de Freitas’ death. Reports indicate the men are being held in pre-detention while the case proceeds through the legal system.
This is what it looks like when a woman is thrown from the Skeleton Bridge in Brazil pic.twitter.com/opIyN0Nxo4 [9]
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) June 15, 2026 [10]
Investigators have not publicly released additional details regarding the charges beyond confirming that the case remains active.
The bridge has long attracted visitors seeking extreme recreational activities, but local officials now appear determined to close access permanently.
With barriers being reinforced and demolition plans under consideration, authorities say the focus remains on preventing additional incidents while the criminal investigation continues.
No date has been announced for the bridge’s demolition, though officials have indicated that discussions with federal authorities are ongoing.