Tragedy Strikes in Paragliding Paradise: Two Fatalities in Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, two paragliders have died within two days, just before the Paragliding World Cup 2024. A Czech paraglider, Dita Misurcova, and a Belgian paraglider were killed in separate accidents, raising concerns about safety in this popular paragliding destination.

In a tragic week for the paragliding community, two individuals lost their lives in separate accidents in Himachal Pradesh's renowned paragliding locations. In just two days, ahead of the much-anticipated Paragliding World Cup 2024, the fatalities have sparked a discussion on the safety protocols in place.

Officials reported that Czech paraglider Dita Misurcova, aged 43, succumbed to her injuries following a crash in Manali due to strong winds. She was an experienced paraglider with six years in the sport. Meanwhile, the previous day saw a Belgian paraglider's fatal mid-air collision in Bir-Billing, a hotspot for the sport.

Experts emphasize the increased risks posed by high-risk zones and unfamiliar wind conditions. Efforts are underway to improve safety, including documenting regional thermals and proposing special towers for crash detection. With the World Cup drawing 130 participants from 50 countries, safety remains a critical concern.

(With inputs from agencies.)