Kullu: Another paraglider crash has been reported in Himachal Pradesh. An Australian paraglider pilot crashed last evening at Seven Sister Peak in Manali, a tourist town in Kullu district. A rescue team had left the night before, but the pilot was stranded in the difficult terrain. He was rescued by helicopter in the morning.
“The paraglider has been safely rescued from a 13,500-foot-high mountain near Manali. The Australian paraglider pilot struggled between life and death for nearly 20 hours. He is now safe.” – Ramesh Kumar Jogi, In-charge, Manali Adventure Tour Association Manali Rescue Team
Life saved by fellow paraglider
Ramesh Kumar Jogi stated that the paraglider pilot has been identified as Andy, 51, an Australian resident of Australia. He is currently undergoing treatment in Manali. The accident occurred at an altitude of 13,500 feet in the Seven Sister Peaks range in Manali. Air pressure and adverse weather conditions led to a crash landing. Fortunately, the other pilot flying with the Australian pilot witnessed the accident. His co-pilot then alerted the rescue team and requested assistance.
Flight from Manali to Bir Billing
The two pilots were visiting Manali from Bir Billing in Kangra district and were flying back to Bir Billing. Upon receiving information about the accident, a rescue team departed that night. A rescue team from Manali was dispatched late that night to climb the mountain.
Rescue on Tuesday Morning
Helicopter assistance was deployed early Tuesday morning. The Australian pilot, lying in a dangerously injured position in a narrow area on a 13,500-foot-high mountain, was courageously transported to Manali by chopper. The injured paraglider pilot is now undergoing treatment at Mission Hospital and is out of danger. It’s worth noting that this is the third paragliding accident this month, following the death of a Russian female paraglider.
