The event took place at an indoor climbing center, during a University-organised (although unsupervised) trip.

One climber fell while lead climbing. The belayer failed to catch him appropriately, resulting in a fall of 9m onto the ground. The injured climber was conscious after the fall, and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment. The emergency contact of the injured climber was called, in accordance with the accident procedure of the club.

Both the climbers involved had signed a document, stating that they could competently lead climb and belay when signing up to the trip. Both had also passed the climbing center assessment, and signed the waivers there. The belayer had previously attended other, similarly organised indoor climbing trips, where he was assessed to belay safely.