A group of guests dining at a San Juan, Puerto Rico concept restaurant experienced a terrifying near-disaster when their elevated platform appeared to give way. Suspended more than 100 feet in the air, diners were left in shock as the structure operated by FlyDining seemed to buckle mid-meal.
Footage captured by diner Rayshun Bowers, who was celebrating her 41st birthday in the Puerto Rican capital, shows the platform beginning to sag while guests screamed in alarm. “We literally almost lost our lives!!” Bowers wrote on Facebook, sharing the unsettling video. She recalled, “In mid-air at 100 feet the cable SNAPPED! In that moment, all I could do was pray and tell everyone to stay calm.” In another video, a fellow diner can be heard exclaiming, “Who signed me up for this?” moments before the platform became unstable.
Scott Zuckerman, FlyDining franchise owner, later reassured that there was no danger to the 13 guests or staff onboard, who were safely lowered to the ground. According to a statement from FlyDining Puerto Rico on Instagram, a safety rope used for wind protection had been released, causing slight movement that led to the platform’s roof making contact with the crane’s boom. “There were no structural failures or safety risks, and all systems remained secure,” the statement read.
An investigation is underway, and the restaurant will remain closed until third-party specialists complete all inspections and confirm that the site meets the highest operational safety standards.
What began as a celebratory outing quickly turned into a harrowing experience for those involved. “What was supposed to be a celebration turned into a life-changing experience,” Bowers added on Facebook. “I’m beyond grateful for His protection—this birthday will never be forgotten!”
FlyDining’s Puerto Rican franchise, located in San Juan’s Santurce area, opened in January 2024. The unique dining platform, which can be suspended as high as 160 feet off the ground, offers multiple dining experiences ranging from breakfast to dinner.