Bir Billing Struck By Tragedy: Pilot Dies During Paragliding Takeoff, Injured Tourist Survives

Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s most renowned sites for paragliding, was struck by tragedy on December 26, a day after Christmas. At the globally acclaimed site, an experienced paraglider pilot lost his life shortly after takeoff. The tourist, paragliding with him, while gravely injured, survived the fall.

Bir Billing Pilot Dies In Paragliding Accident

As per a report by News18, an experienced paraglider pilot accompanying a tourist for a paragliding experience was met with tragedy. Shortly after takeoff, a technical malfunction struck the canopy. The pilot and the tourist crashed near a road below. They fell at the launch site at Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district.

The experienced pilot who lost his life in the tragedy was identified as Mohan Singh. He is a resident of Barot in Mandi district. The pilot sustained critical injuries and died in the unfortunate crash. The tourist flying with him was gravely injured in the crash. But after receiving first aid, he was declared “out of danger”. The residents and rescue team immediately reached the spot and rushed both victims to the hospital. After this incident, paragliding in Bir Billing has been suspended for a day as a mark of respect.

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Investigations Underway To Determine Reason

Vinay Kumar, District Tourism Development Officer, Kangra, assured that further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation report. An investigation is underway to find out the exact cause of this unfortunate paragliding crash. A case has been registered to determine if the accident happened due to weather-related factors, human error or technical fault. Marshals and technical operators are working on providing information for the same.

This incident brings to light the safety standards that are put in place at adventure sports destinations. Especially the need for strict pilot certification norms, safety protocols and equipment inspection.

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Meanwhile, we pray that such incidents will be prevented with ample precautionary measures.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ dsafanda