A fatal paragliding accident at Himachal Pradesh’s famed Bir Billing site claimed one life. A paraglider developed a malfunction and crashed near the road
below the launch site, soon after take off at the internationally renowned Bir Billing paragliding site. The incident has once again put the spotlight on safety standards at adventure tourism hubs. An experienced pilot lost his life after a tandem paraglider suffered a technical malfunction shortly after take-off and crashed near the launch site in Kangra district on Friday, leaving the accompanying tourist injured. According to officials of the Bir Billing Paragliding Association, the paraglider developed a technical malfunction shortly after take off, lost balance mid-air, and crashed near the road below the launch site. The pilot died while the accompanying tourist sustained injuries. The pilot, identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Barot in Mandi district, was critically injured in the crash. Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the spot and shifted both the pilot and the tourist to a hospital. However, Singh succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital, while the tourist was reported to be out of danger after receiving first aid. The accident occurred on Friday evening when a tandem paraglider took off from the Billing launch point. A case has been registered, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities are examining whether the incident was caused by a technical fault, human error, or weather-related factors. The incident has once again raised serious concerns about safety arrangements at adventure sports destinations, especially regarding regular equipment checks, pilot certification, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Also Read -'9000 Feet Up': Noida Woman Paraglider Dies In Crash Minutes After Take Off District Tourism Development Officer, Kangra, Vinay Kumar said all documents and information related to the accident have been sought from the marshals and technical advisors stationed at the site. "Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation report," he said. Last year, a woman paraglider was killed in a crash shortly after taking off from the Bir-Billing. Identified as Ritu Chopra, a 56-year-old resident of Noida, she was the wife of Ashutosh Chopra, a retired Indian Air Force officer. According to officials, Ritu's paraglider crashed into the nearby hills shortly after takeoff, prompting Ashutosh to raise an alarm. A search team quickly located her, and she was rushed to a nearby hospital. Later, doctors declared her dead upon her arrival. (With inputs from PTI)
