On Top of the World: Daredevil Climbs Chimney Tower

By Mark Hodge @Mrhodgey

A FEARLESS daredevil risks his life by climbing an industrial chimney and balancing on a beam above a sheer drop - without safety equipment for either

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Videographer / Director: Flaviu Cernescu
Producer: Mark Hodge
Editor: Joshua Douglas

Flaviu Cernescu scaled the abandoned structure in Pitesti, Romania, using a disconnected electrical cable to hoist himself for the first 20 metres.

Flaviu Cernescu 'free solos' up an abandoned chimney tower, using only an electrical cable for support for the first 20 metres

The 32-year-old then walked across a rusted railing which runs across the summit of the hollow 280-metre structure.

On top of the world! The daredevil balances on the metal beam

Despite the long drop, Cernescu, who captured the footage using a GoPro camera, said he felt calm and confident for most of the stunt.

Don't Look Down! Flaviu peers at the ground far below him

“The most dangerous part was most probably the first 20 metres, while I was climbing on an electrical cable using only my hands.

Nerves of steel: Flaviu walks along the top of the industrial chimney

“I was a little concerned the cable would slip from where it was tangled around the ladder. Another tricky part was the last five metres before the very top.

The abandoned industrial chimney is the second highest structure in Romania ...

"The top of the ladder was very rusted and not attached to the chimney - making it unstable and freaky to climb on.

Flaviu left an office job last year to pursue his extreme climbing dream full- time.

Despite the long drop, Flaviu felt calm and confident for most of the stunt

and even posed in front of the chimney for a selfie

And although he warns others not to follow in his exact footsteps, he encourages everyone to realise their ambitions.

Metal beams run across the top of the chimney where the daredevil climbed

He said: “People will always think what I do is crazy - and I understand their point. But I would never do some of the things others do, so it's all compensated in the universe.

“My message is to inspire people to take on their dreams step by step. The goal is not to imitate or outdo somebody but to do what you love and love what you do.”