Dharamshala, 06 November 2024: A Polish paraglider stranded in the high-altitude Dhauladhar ranges of Kangra district was rescued on Tuesday, marking the successful conclusion of a three-day search operation.
Andrew Babinski, a solo paragliding pilot, became stranded on Sunday after a mid-air collision with another paraglider in the hills. He managed to stay in communication with colleagues while his insurance company arranged for an air rescue.
“The pilot was rescued and airlifted early on Tuesday by the chopper. He was injured and has been admitted to a hospital in Palampur,” confirmed Baijnath SDM Devi Chand Thakur.
Attempts to retrieve Babinski on Monday were hampered by the rugged terrain; despite two sorties, the chopper could not land.
A ground rescue team, however, reached him and moved him to a spot accessible for airlifting.
This incident follows two fatal paragliding accidents in Himachal Pradesh last week. On October 29, Belgian pilot Patrice Feyaerts died after a mid-air collision at Bir Billing; his reserve parachute failed to deploy after impact.
Just days later, Czech pilot Dita Misurcova fatally crashed near Marhi in Manali, reportedly losing control due to strong winds.
