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In Himachal Pradesh’s Manali, a tragic accident occurred when Dita Misurcova, a 43-year-old paraglider from the Czech Republic, lost control due to strong winds and crashed near Marhi. Although she was taken to the hospital immediately, doctors declared her dead. Misurcova was experienced, having been paragliding for six years. This incident took place just one day after another fatal accident involving a Belgian paraglider, Patrice Feyaerts, who died in Bir-Billing after a mid-air collision with another paraglider. Feyaerts’ parachute failed to open after the collision, resulting in a fatal fall. His companion, a Polish paraglider, survived but sustained injuries.

Safety concerns heighten before Paragliding World Cup

These accidents have sparked renewed concerns about paragliding safety in Himachal Pradesh, especially with the upcoming Paragliding World Cup set for November 2-9 at Bir-Billing, often considered a global paragliding hotspot. Known as the second-highest paragliding site in the world, Bir-Billing attracts thousands of enthusiasts each year. However, the increasing frequency of accidents raises questions about pilot safety measures, as several fatalities have been reported in the region over the past few years. In October alone, three paragliders—a Russian, a Polish, and an Indian—lost their lives in separate incidents in a single week.

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According to Vinay Dhiman, Kangra district’s deputy director of tourism, flying risks increase when paragliders venture into areas with challenging topography and strong wind patterns, such as high-risk zones or inner valleys. To help reduce accidents, officials are collaborating with experts to document local wind currents and thermal patterns in Bir-Billing. This effort aims to improve safety for free fliers, many of whom are unfamiliar with the area’s unique weather conditions.

As the World Cup approaches, authorities and paragliding communities hope these measures can prevent further accidents and ensure a safer experience for the 130 paragliders from 50 countries expected to participate in this year's event.