Russian paraglider rescued after entanglement in high-voltage power lines in Himachal

A Russian paraglider faced a life-threatening situation in Himachal Pradesh on Monday after becoming entangled in high-voltage power lines during a flight from the popular Bir Billing launch site in Mandi district. The pilot ascended to approximately 200 feet when the paraglute made contact with 33-kilovolt electrical transmission lines, leaving him suspended in a precarious position. The incident prompted an immediate emergency response from local authorities. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel mobilized to the location and initiated a carefully coordinated rescue operation. Given the hazardous nature of the situation—involving both electrical risk and the altitude involved—rescue teams took precautions to ensure the safety of both the stranded pilot and responders. After approximately three hours of meticulous work, SDRF teams successfully brought the paraglider to safety. The pilot was reported to be in stable condition following the rescue. Bir Billing is one of Asia's premier paragliding destinations and attracts pilots from around the world, but incidents involving overhead power infrastructure pose recurring safety challenges in the region.