SYDNEY Tower Eye observation deck will reopen on Saturday, but the Skywalk remains closed as investigations continue into the circumstances around the death of a woman who fell more than 250m to her death from one of Sydney’s most popular attractions.
The woman, believed to be a 22-year-old from Sydney’s south, unclipped her safety harness and jumped from the Skywalk attraction on Sydney Tower, which is the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere.
Late on Friday, the company who operates Skywalk revealed guests on the Skywalk are able to free themselves from the harnesses they must wear to perform the walk — but must sign a form declaring they will not before the walk begins.
The belt is secured tightly around the guest’s waist and the millions (threaded screwlike attachments like carabiners) are tightly fastened on the harness, the company said.
“This belt can be loosened by the wearer. However all guests are provided with training and sign a Declaration Form prior to embarking on Skywalk that they cannot tamper with or remove the equipment while taking part in the experience.”
While there are no suspicious circumstances, New South Wales police are investigating on behalf of the Coroner. Part of their inquiries is expected to focus on how the woman managed to free herself from the harness, and pay close attention to safety protocols at the tower.
Police refused to comment on exactly what led to the tragedy, including suggestions the woman may have had some sort of tool with her to release the harness.
The 22-year-old’s actions — and those of staff at the Skywalk — were being closely examined.
“All circumstances leading up to the woman’s death will be investigated as a part of the police investigation and report to the Coroner,” a police statement said.
Merlin Entertainment, the company behind The Sydney Tower Eye, on Friday afternoon issued a statement about the woman’s death, but did not answer questions directly related to the harnesses used on the Skywalk.
The woman fell 268m and landed on a canopy in front of horrified witnesses. The sight of the woman plunging to her death has traumatised those who saw it, including members of the tour group she was in.
It’s understood the woman became agitated and threatened self-harm before she jumped. She has not yet been formally identified, according to police.
“The health and safety of our guests and staff is always our primary objective. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the guest as well as the wellbeing of all other guests and our team members,” Sydney Tower Eye Divisional Director Rob Smith said.
“The Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck will reopen at 9am on Saturday. March 10. Skywalk will reopen after a full review of the incident.” Mr Smith said.
He said Sydney Tower Eye and Skywalk operate “to the highest quality standards conforming to all regulatory requirements, building codes and best practice in the industry”.
“As part of these procedures we undertake a rigid safety program including daily safety checks before opening, in depth training for all staff, preventive control measures and comprehensive maintenance schedules; all of which are developed and monitored by independent, third party experts. Safety will always be our number one priority.”
The Skywalk experience is a 45-minute guided tour around the outside of the Sydney Tower, Sydney’s highest building. Participants walk along a glass-bottomed walkway while hooked up to a safety harness, in what is described as Sydney’s “highest outdoor adventure”.
“Following the incident on Thursday 8th March, and in co-operation with the NSW Police, Westfield Sydney, and other relevant authorities, Sydney Tower Eye activated its evacuation and safety procedures and emergency services addressed the situation immediately,” Mr Smith said.
“We will continue to offer our team at the Sydney Tower Eye ongoing counselling and support. In line with the NSW Police recommendations, we urge anyone else affected by yesterday’s event to seek professional help.”
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Inspector Robert Winkler yesterday described the incident as “very traumatic” and said there had been a large scale response from emergency services.
He told reporters in the Sydney CBD police were appealing for anyone who has witnessed what took place to please contact Crimestoppers.
“We have a deceased person who is currently being assessed by our crime scene department,” Insp Winkler said. “I can’t comment on specific details of what has taken place as ... it’s early in the investigation.”
A NSW Ambulance spokesman told news.com.au that paramedics had responded to reports of a woman threatening self-harm at Centrepoint Tower earlier today.
“Two paramedic crews responded and were on scene by 2.45pm,” the spokesman said
The woman was dead on arrival and paramedics left soon after, according to the spokesman.
He said there were also reports of witnesses in shock.
“Paramedics are providing support to police as required,” he said.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Sections of Castlereagh and Market Streets, which surround the building, were closed.
The iconic building, also known as Centrepoint Tower, has boasted the external Skywalk experience as part of a viewing attraction located at the top of the building. The Skywalk experience was constructed in 2005 at a cost of almost $4 million.
“Step out into the open air for a breathtaking 45-minute tour around the outside of Sydney Tower with one of our experienced guides,” the site reads. “You can enjoy the views from the internal Observation Deck before and after your Skywalk tour.”
The tower, which stands at 309m tall, is “ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world”, according to the Sydney Tower Eye’s website.
“The striking design has made the tower capable of withstanding earthquakes and extreme wind conditions,” it reads.
“Open your eyes to the best views in Sydney at the Sydney Tower Eye.
“The breathtaking 360-degree, sky-high views stretch for more than 80km in any direction.”
It has been closed until further notice.
If you need help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you have more information contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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