Manali, 31st October 2024: A Czech paraglider was killed in Manali on Wednesday after her glider lost control in strong winds, crashing into a mountainside, Himachal Pradesh officials reported. This marks the second fatal paragliding incident in two days in the state, as preparations are underway for the Paragliding World Cup 2024, set to begin on November 2 in Bir-Billing, Kangra district.
The 43-year-old solo paraglider, identified as Dita Misurcova, reportedly encountered forceful winds that destabilized her glider near Marhi in Manali.
Despite immediate medical attention at a local hospital, Misurcova was pronounced dead, authorities said. She was a seasoned paraglider with six years of experience.
A day prior, Belgian paraglider Feyaret died in Bir-Billing after a mid-air collision with another paraglider. Following the impact, Feyaret’s parachute failed to open, leading to a fatal descent.
The accident involved ten paragliders flying concurrently, with the Polish paraglider involved in the collision suffering injuries. “The crash occurred after two paragliders took off separately and collided in the air,” said Kangra district Deputy Director of Tourism Vinay Dhiman.
He noted that Feyaret, a free-flying enthusiast in his sixties, died due to the failed deployment of his parachute.
Officials noted the increased risks posed when paragliders venture into high-risk zones with limited knowledge of local wind patterns and mountainous terrain. Dhiman shared ongoing efforts to document the thermals in Bir-Billing in collaboration with experts to minimize future accidents. “We are working to map thermals to enhance safety,” he said.
In addition, Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali, confirmed that a proposal to install specialized towers on high mountains is under consideration. “These towers would help pinpoint crash sites quickly in the event of an accident,” he explained.
