Brave or reckless? BBC reporter smashes 1,000ft-high glass bridge with sledgehammer
THIS is the tense moment the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is pounded a dozen times with a sledgehammer by a British reporter.
BBC journalist smashes glass bridge
The sledgehammer smash challenge was designed to prove the safety of the impressive structure, which hangs over the Zhangziazie Grand Canyon in China.
The record-breaking glass-bottomed walkway is expected to open next month.
However, to ensure tourists will feel safe on the glass bridge, the creators of the bridge have challenged BBC Click journalist Dan Simmons to smash through it with a sledgehammer.
Glass bottom bridge struck with sledgehammer to prove how safe it is
The 980ft-high bridge is over 1,410ft across and is expected to support the weight of 800 people as they enjoy stunning views of China's Zhangziazie Grand Canyon beneath their feet.
In an unusual PR move, the construction company asked the reporter to smash his way through one of the panels used to form the skywalk.
The challenge comes after a similar glass walkway in China was forced to shut down after a glass panel shattered under tourists' feet.
The challenge takes place on the bridge
The bridge in the Henan province closed for repairs when a tourist dropped a mug and shattered a 68-centimetre-wide glass panel in September.
The incident, which left tourists screaming in terror 3,540ft in the air, has raised doubts about the latest construction.
In the video Simmons strikes the glass several times with a sledgehammer while on the walkway itself.
The journalist's efforts ensure the top layer of the glass is heavily damaged, with multiple cracks appearing.
The 430m bridge can hold up to 800 people
However, the president of the construction company encourages the BBC journalist to continue striking the glass as he watches on.
After more than a dozen slams, the pair still safely stand on top of the shattered glass panel as the second two layers of glass remain completely intact.
The president of the company also showed the bridge could withstand 25 people jumping on one panel all at once.