Tragic Paragliding Incidents Claim Two Lives in Manali

Two paraglider fatalities occurred in Manali within 48 hours, with the latest victim being Czech national Dita Misurcova. These incidents, leading up to the Paragliding World Cup, raise safety concerns in the region, prompting officials to enhance measures to prevent accidents.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, two paraglider fatalities occurred in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, within a span of 48 hours, raising concerns over the safety of the sport in the region. The latest victim, 43-year-old Dita Misurcova from the Czech Republic, lost control while paragliding in strong winds and crashed near Marhi on Wednesday. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Misurcova, an experienced paraglider, had six years of experience in the sport.

This incident follows the death of a Belgian paraglider, Feyaret, who died on Tuesday after colliding mid-air with another paraglider in Bir-Billing, a popular paragliding destination. Reports indicate that ten paragliders were airborne at the time, and the collision resulted in Feyaret’s parachute failing to deploy, leading to his fatal fall.

The recent fatalities come just days before the Paragliding World Cup 2024, scheduled to begin on November 2 in Bir-Billing, known for its favorable flying conditions and stunning landscapes. Local officials emphasize that the risks associated with paragliding can be exacerbated when flyers enter high-risk zones without adequate knowledge of the local topography and wind conditions.

In light of these incidents, the Kangra district's deputy director of tourism, Vinay Dhiman, revealed efforts are underway to document thermal patterns in the area with expert assistance to enhance safety measures and reduce accidents.

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These tragedies highlight the urgent need for improved safety protocols in paragliding, especially as participation in events like the upcoming World Cup continues to grow.