In Johannesburg International Airport a passenger was attempting to get past a blockage of airpport trolleys on the travelator caused by another passenger stopping at the end of the walkway.

The passenger attempted to bypass the offending trolleys by climbing onto the railings of the moving travelator. The 50 year old was not quite as nimble and sure-footed as he thought and sadly fell off the railings onto the floor.

Under normal circumstances this would cause, at worst, a few broken bones and some severe embarrasment. However given that the moving railings were 10m above the arrivals level the fall was more deadly. The only thing that was speeded up was his passage into the afterlife.

Submitted on 10/14/2005

Submitted by: Peter
Reference: www.iafrica.com 14 October 200

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Lacks Excellence
Here's a better link:http://iafrica.com/news/sa/200750.htm The article is short on detail. For all I know, the fellow blocking the way was being inconsiderate and the victim HAD to make his flight (mitigating circumstances). On the other hand, the "backup" may have been temporary (as is usually the case in busy airports) and the "victim" may have acted out of arrogance or entitlement. More details may surface, but as this story stands now, it just doesn't send me.

Sheryl said:
Maybe Toss: Not Amusing
Details are sketchy indeed! Thanks for the submission but more detail is necessary for us to consider this one.

Greg said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Is catching that flight worth attempting a high-wire act? It's not a good write-up, but it's a good example, IMO. This individual shows complete stupidity and disregard for his own life ... over a plane ticket!! I see stupid commuters every morning who lose all sense of perspective in the dash to work, endangering both their lives and sometimes other people's for the sake of losing a few minutes.

Jack said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
For some reason, this simply doesn't catch my fancy. But we do appreciate the submission, Peter.

Tracy said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I think we need a better writeup, and more info on this to make it a fully-fledged DA

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