Tragedy Strikes Again at Bir-Billing: Belgian Paraglider Falls in Mid-air Collision

A Belgian paraglider named Feyarets tragically died in a mid-air collision while practising for the Paragliding World Cup 2024 in Bir-Billing, India. The crash, involving a second unidentified paraglider, highlights safety concerns and prompts calls for stricter regulations and infrastructure improvements to prevent future accidents.

A Belgian paraglider was killed in a mid-air collision while training for next year's Paragliding World Cup in Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh, police confirmed Wednesday. The fatal incident raises fresh concerns about safety in the region.

The accident occurred on Tuesday when two paragliders launched separately but collided later. The deceased, known only as Feyarets, was a skilled paraglider in his mid-sixties. His body was spotted but not immediately recovered. Meanwhile, the other pilot, yet to be identified, was injured and is currently hospitalized after being rescued from entangled trees.

Authorities have been urged to tighten safety regulations, requiring paragliders to register and avoid military zones. Proposals are underway to install specialised towers for rapid site identification in future mishaps. November's upcoming World Cup will feature 130 participants from 50 countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)