Parachutist leaps from Vilnius skyscraper, risking fine of up to €600

A parachutist jumped from a skyscraper about 114 metres above the ground in Vilnius, landing in Europos Square and prompting warnings from experts about the risks of performing such stunts in urban areas.

The unidentified jumper was seen last week descending by parachute from the building before landing in the square.

One woman who witnessed the jump told LRT TV she and her colleagues had watched from their office in surprise and shock, describing the stunt as dangerous for the jumper. Another bystander said the spectacle was exciting and predicted there would be more such jumps.

The jumper belongs to a group of parachutists known as BASE jumpers, who leap from fixed objects such as buildings, bridges and cliffs rather than from aircraft. Members of the community say the jumps require extensive preparation and experience.

Marius Čiūta, a representative of a BASE jumping association, said jumpers must assess the height of the structure, wind direction and strength, and the landing area before taking off.

Čiūta, who jumps from cliffs abroad wearing a wingsuit, said urban BASE jumps are not for beginners. Those who attempt them typically have completed hundreds or even thousands of jumps from aircraft, cliffs or bridges.

BASE jumping also uses different equipment from conventional skydiving, he said, including specialised parachutes designed to deploy more quickly and provide greater control.

Algimantas Skuodis, president of Lithuania’s Parachuting Federation, said the lower altitudes involved in BASE jumping leave much less time to respond to an emergency.

Skydivers jumping from aircraft typically carry two parachutes and additional equipment to help deploy them if necessary. BASE jumpers generally use a single parachute designed for rapid deployment, making the activity particularly risky, he said.

Skuodis urged people not to imitate stunts they see in online videos or attempt jumps without proper training.

“Do not buy a parachute online and climb onto a building,” he said, recommending that anyone interested in the sport contact the federation or a parachuting club, enrol in a training program and gain extensive experience before attempting more demanding jumps.

The Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration warned that unauthorized parachute jumps can result in fines of up to 600 euros.

Jūratė Peciukonytė, a representative of the agency, said parachute flights are generally permitted only from aircraft and other specified vehicles designed or approved for the purpose. Jumps from other structures may be allowed in exceptional cases, but require approval from the civil aviation authority.

The agency has opened four investigations into illegal jumps over the past two years, resulting in fines in two cases. Officials urged anyone who witnesses suspected illegal activity to report it to law enforcement.