A man dressed in a red robe to look like the Russian version of Santa Claus fell to his death from a skyscraper in a botched stunt in front of horrified onlookers including his wife and children.
The unidentified climber was attempting to rappel down the side of a 24-story residential building in Chelyabinsk to delight the crowd below when he lost his grip.
Seen illuminated by a spotlight, the man plummets onto a snow-covered structure one story above the ground, killing him in what organizers called “a monstrous misfortune.”
His wife and children were in the patio of the structure during the fall and witnessed his death.
Witnesses initially thought the free fall was part of the stunt and waited for him to come out and greet his children, according to news agency e2westnews.
“My son didn’t understand anything,” said one observer. “Others understood and left hysterical. “All the parents, naturally, are in shock.”
The man lost control on the 24th floor. Social media/east2west news The victim’s safety ropes were not placed correctly beforehand and he fell to his death. Social Media/East2west News Russian “Grandfather Frost” landed on a snow-covered structure one story off the ground. Kp.ru/east2west news
Another attendee said he assumed the sinking shape was a doll and that the man was pulling a Christmas prank.
“The festivities continued,” the witness said. “At first there was no suspicion that it was a tragedy.”
The victim was described as an experienced climber who had somehow incorrectly placed his safety ropes.
The building’s management company organized the event and later apologized for the traumatic spectacle.
Some onlookers did not realize the man had died for several minutes. Social media/east2west news The tragedy took place in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. Gello/east2west News
“Today’s vacation turned into a monstrous disgrace,” they reportedly said. “An industrial climber dressed as Santa Claus fell while descending from his house and died.”
A variation of Santa Claus, Grandfather Frost is a traditional Christmas character popular in Slavic nations.
Known as Ded Moroz in Russian and dressed in a red or blue robe, the bearded man delivers gifts to well-behaved children.
He differs from his Western counterpart in that he recruits his daughter to help him with his duties instead of a team of reindeer.
Russian authorities are investigating and could cite security breaches, according to reports.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn