Spain forced to close country’s longest slide after 48 hours as users keep injuring themselves flying off the end
SPANISH officials have closed the country’s longest slide just 48 hours after it was opened as users kept flying off the end.
The 125ft slide, found in the popular tourist resort of Estepona, Costa del Sol, was launched to save pedestrians a 10-minute walk, linking one street to another.
But with a steep gradient of around 34 degrees, dozens branded the slide, a “killing” machine.
Many believe this is what caused so many users to suffer injuries including friction burns and grazes.
Footage shows a woman sliding down at such a high speed, her dress lifts up before she smacks her head.
Describing the incident on social media, she claimed she was “hurt everywhere”, and was covered in friction burns,
Another user recalled being “thrown everywhere”, before being catapulted 6ft off its end.
Following reports of several injuries after its official opening on Thursday, the ride worth around £24, 100, was slammed as “bizarre”.
‘KILLING MACHINE’
Another unimpressed user posted: “Experience the Estepona slide! The one that scratches your entire backside!”
Estepona council says the slide has received all the necessary safety standards and if used properly, it does not present any dangers.
However, in a statement issued today, the authority said it had ordered “a review and preventative closure” of the toboggan.
“We had placed notices on the side indicating how it should be used in an appropriate manner to avoid risks,” said a spokesman.
“These included NOT lying down but only whilst sitting, with arms folded, and NOT with another person.”
MOST READ WORLD NEWS
The council says more than 1,000 people used the toboggan during the official opening on Thursday and there had been no incidents.
They claim only one adverse video had been posted on the social networks and this was an “isolated incident.”
Nevertheless, they had decided to order the review so users could be absolutely confident of using the ride in total safety.
The slide, says the council, is part of a major project in a green area of more than 20,000 square metres, with trees, public lighting and street furniture.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.