Himachal Pradesh News
Pilot Killed in Paragliding Crash at Bir Billing After Glider Malfunction; Ambulance Delayed in Traffic Jam
A paragliding pilot died at Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh after his glider malfunctioned mid-air. The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety standards and delayed emergency response after the ambulance was stuck in traffic.
A tragic paragliding accident at the world-renowned Bir Billing site in Kangra district on Friday claimed the life of an experienced pilot after his paraglider reportedly malfunctioned shortly after take-off, once again raising serious concerns over safety standards and emergency preparedness at the popular adventure tourism destination.
According to Anurag Sharma, president of the Bir Billing Paragliding Association, the pilot took off from the Billing launch site with a tourist flying in tandem when the glider developed a technical fault mid-air. The aircraft reportedly lost balance and crashed near the road below the take-off point, leaving the pilot critically injured. The tourist also sustained injuries but is stated to be out of danger.
The deceased has been identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Barot in Mandi district. Singh was an experienced paraglider and had been associated with paragliding activities in the region for several years.
Local residents, fellow pilots and rescue workers rushed to the spot and shifted both the injured pilot and the tourist to the Civil Hospital in Baijnath. Owing to the severity of his injuries, doctors referred Singh to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Tanda, for advanced treatment.
However, the ambulance carrying him was caught in a traffic jam in Baijnath, delaying the transfer by nearly an hour. Singh succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital.
The accident led to heavy traffic congestion on the Baijnath–Palampur road for around an hour, with long queues of vehicles reported as emergency services struggled to navigate the crowded stretch.
Confirming the incident, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Baijnath Sankalp Gautam said the administration received information about the fatal accident soon after take-off and that the tourist accompanying the pilot was safe.
“The matter is being examined and all necessary procedures are being followed,” he said.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether it resulted from a technical malfunction, human error or prevailing weather conditions. Statements of witnesses, paragliding operators and association members are being recorded, and the equipment involved may be examined by technical experts.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on safety protocols, equipment inspections and emergency response mechanisms at Bir Billing, one of India’s most sought-after paragliding destinations that attracts thousands of adventure tourists every year. Authorities said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
