Himachal: Ahmedabad tourist dies as paraglider crashes at Indrunag; Kangra bans paragliding till Sept 15 | Watch Video

PTC Web Desk: A 25-year-old tourist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, lost his life in a tragic paragliding accident at the Indrunag take-off point near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh on Monday evening.

According to Kangra District Additional Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal, the mishap occurred during take-off when the glider failed to gain proper lift and crashed shortly after take-off. The deceased has been identified as Satish Rajesh Bhai. Pilot Suraj sustained injuries in the incident. A disturbing video of the crash has been circulating on social media platforms.

Satish suffered severe injuries to his head, mouth, and other parts of the body. He was initially rushed to Zonal Hospital in Dharamshala and later referred to Tanda Medical College due to the seriousness of his condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries late at night. The pilot, Suraj, is currently undergoing treatment at Bala Ji Hospital in Kangra.

Police officials confirmed that Satish’s family has been informed and that his body will be handed over to them following a post-mortem examination.

This marks the second deadly accident at Indrunag in just six months. In January, 19-year-old Bhavsar Khushi, also from Ahmedabad, died in a similar incident during take-off. Her pilot was also injured.

The authorities are now probing potential safety violations linked to both accidents. Additional SP Lakhanpal confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding possible breaches of paragliding safety protocols.

Meanwhile, in light of the recent fatalities and ongoing monsoon season, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Haimraj Bairwa has imposed a complete ban on paragliding activities across the district, including the well-known Bir Billing site. The ban will remain in effect until September 15 to ensure public safety.