A TikTok video showing a couple on ice that breaks under them has gone viral, prompting authorities to warn about the dangers of walking on frozen waters.
TikTok Video Goes Viral
A video by TikTok user ‘catsandpaula’ has gone viral, showing a couple walking on the frozen Baltic Sea in Sopot. The video captures how the ice unexpectedly breaks under their feet, partially submerging them in water. The clip quickly garnered nearly two million views, though authorities haven’t confirmed if the incident actually occurred.
Similar Incident Captured by Drone
TVN24 published a similar video showing two people walking on frozen waters near Sopot’s pier. In this case, the ice also broke under them, but they managed to escape safely. A reporter noted significant activity at the pier that day, with many people venturing onto the frozen surface.
Authorities Warn Against Walking on Ice
Throughout the winter, authorities have repeatedly warned against entering frozen waters due to unpredictable ice thickness. Despite these warnings, residents and tourists in Gdańsk have been walking, skating, and even cycling on the frozen Motława River. Firefighters emphasize that ice can be treacherous and falling into water can be fatal. The Gdańsk Sports Center has since posted signs closing the river to entry.
Cities Implement Ice Entry Bans
This weekend, Riga authorities banned entry to the frozen Daugava River, which had become an unofficial city promenade. The ban follows safety consultations with specialists, with violators facing fines up to 100 euros. In Vilnius, where walking on the frozen Vilija River isn’t formally prohibited, authorities warn that the ice may appear thick but can be dangerous due to the river’s strong current, particularly at bends where the current is faster and ice weaker.
