A Russian paraglider pilot survived a harrowing ordeal on November 10 after becoming entangled in high-tension electricity wires in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. The pilot was left suspended approximately 150 metres above the ground near Mehar village, situated about five kilometres from Mandi town along the Pathankot-Mandi highway.
The incident triggered an urgent response from local authorities after other paragliders in the area alerted the administration. To prevent electrical hazards, officials immediately disconnected the power supply to the lines. The Mandi Sub-Divisional Magistrate and police personnel arrived at the site to oversee the operation and coordinate the rescue effort.
Extracting the pilot proved challenging due to the extreme height. Rescuers ultimately secured a 146-metre hydraulic crane to reach the stranded individual. An official from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was lifted in the crane's basket to reach the pilot and bring him to safety. The operation lasted nearly two and a half hours.
As a precautionary measure, the Pathankot-Mandi highway was closed to heavy traffic during the rescue. Additionally, locals and officials placed mattresses and a tarpaulin on the ground below the site to mitigate the impact in case of a fall.
Key facts
- The rescue occurred on November 10, 2026, near Mehar village, Mandi district.
- The paraglider remained suspended for roughly two and a half hours.
- A 146-metre hydraulic crane was deployed to facilitate the rescue.
- The operation involved the State Disaster Response Force, local administration, and police.
- Authorities temporarily suspended electricity in the wires to protect the pilot and rescuers.
Why it matters
The incident has sparked public discussion regarding the regulation of adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh. While some social media users called for stricter safety laws for such activities in the region, others debated the responsibility of individual pilots versus the adequacy of infrastructure and oversight.
Source: News18
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