Pre-Game Parachute Stunt Goes Awry at Toulouse Stadium
In a surprising turn of events at the Toulouse stadium in southwest France on April 6, rugby fans witnessed a dramatic pre-game display when a parachutist became stuck on the roof of the venue.
Incident Overview
During a carefully planned spectacle intended to deliver the match ball onto the field, one parachutist encountered unexpected turbulence, resulting in his parachute being blown off course and becoming tangled on the stadium’s roof. This mishap occurred shortly after another parachutist successfully landed on the pitch.
Video Evidence
Footage from the event, captured by onlooker Olivier Murat and shared through Storyful, clearly showcases the moment the parachutist lost control. Viewers could see him hanging in mid-air, an unexpected sight for the crowd eagerly anticipating the match.
Response and Recovery
Reports from Le Parisien indicate that the parachutist remained suspended for approximately 20 minutes past the scheduled kickoff as spectators watched with a mix of concern and anticipation. Emergency responders, including firefighters, were ultimately called to the scene, using a basket and ladder to safely rescue the man. Upon his retrieval, he received a warm standing ovation from the audience.
Behavior and Reaction
Despite the precarious situation, the parachutist, who is reportedly trained in military parachuting, expressed no fear during his time stuck. He reassured observers, stating, “I saw that everything was being organized around me. I remained calm. I was not afraid that the parachute would come loose because I had looked carefully, it was well attached.”
The Match Outcome
Once the situation was resolved, spectators were able to shift their attention back to the game. Toulouse went on to triumph over the Sale Sharks with a scoreline of 38-15, thereby securing their advancement to the Champions Cup quarter-finals.
Source Attribution
The information provided in this article draws from reports by Storyful and local coverage by Le Parisien.