Paragliding from unapproved site in Himachal kills Gujarat tourist

KULLU: A 25-year-old tourist from Gujarat died when his tandem paraglider crashed during take-off from an unapproved site near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh 's Kangra district Sunday evening. The tandem pilot was gravely injured in the accident near Banghotu, located above the popular Indrunag paragliding site.

Satish, of Ahmedabad, had come to Dharamshala with his cousin and wanted to try out paragliding, police said.

Sunday's accident occurred around 4.30 pm. Following the crash, Satish and paraglider pilot Suraj, were taken to the zonal hospital in Dharamshala, around 5-6km away, and then to Tanda GMCH, a further 15km on, where Satish, who had suffered multiple injuries to his head, back, and legs, succumbed.

"The victim's parents have been informed, and they are arriving in Dharamshala soon. We have registered a case and are investigating the matter. Any action will be taken upon the completion of the inquiry," Kangra additional SP Hitesh Lakhanpal said Monday.