the essential
The circumstances of the fatal fall of a 72-year-old man in a Lyon climbing gym raise the question of safety in these spaces increasingly appreciated by the French.
A 72-year-old man, a regular at a Climb Up climbing gym in Lyon, died following a 20-meter fall after forgetting to attach the carabiner to his harness. How could such a tragedy happen? What are the safety rules in these busy places, the number of which has increased considerably in France in recent years.
Safety, an essential condition
Following the events, an investigation was opened to clarify all the circumstances of this tragedy. The gym which, like all climbing gyms, makes user safety its priority, was to organize a week dedicated to this theme starting this Monday, November 4.
To access the facilities, everyone must report to reception. During her first visit, she must complete an information sheet exhaustively and accurately allowing the issuance of an access card. Climb Up's internal regulations invite its users to find out about insurance issues (coverage, guarantees, additional contracts). It is “strongly recommended to take out individual insurance”. From the rules which tighten even more for beginners.
“Any person who has never practiced climbing or is not perfectly comfortable with the basics of belaying and safety must, in order to access the facilities: either register in advance for an introductory course in techniques safety and belaying, either be accompanied by an independent climber, or only climb in climbing areas without ropes, or come for supervised practice,” specifies the regulations.
“This reflex failed him and he forgot to attach the carabiner”
Firstly, our colleagues from Progress had claimed that the man was a regular who wanted to climb without a belay system. And, according to a police source, the septuagenarian even signed a release for this. This document is a declaration of autonomy to attest to one's knowledge of climbing. However, this initial information would be inaccurate according to the Climb Up group.
If it is true that the victim was not unknown to the Lyon Confluence gym and that she even went to “train there up to 3 times a week, it was always secure, communicates the group to La Dépêche du Midi. He knew the safety rules very well and systematically used automatic insurance. This Saturday, this reflex failed him and he forgot to attach the carabiner to his harness,” we are told.
“A painful ordeal”
It was therefore an isolated handling error that cost him his life and not a deliberate choice to climb without a belay system. Furthermore, checking the equipment is one of the first things to do when it comes to climbing.
In a press release, the group managing the gym reacted: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of one of our climbers. This event is a painful ordeal for our team, and we would like above all to send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the victim. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
