Russian Paraglider Rescued From High-Tension Wires in Himachal

A 48-year-old Russian paraglider experienced a perilous ordeal when his craft became entangled in high-tension electricity lines in the Mandi district. Identified as Evakin Alexei or Alexey, the pilot had launched from Bir-Billing in Kangra before drifting off course and becoming stranded roughly 150 meters above the ground near Tandu village.

After getting stuck, the pilot shared photographs of his surroundings with the Bir Billing Paragliding Association, enabling rescuers to pinpoint his position. Local residents and fellow pilots also spotted him and immediately notified the district administration.

A joint team consisting of the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, and highway project workers launched a complex rescue operation. To mitigate the risk of electrocution, the electricity supply to the 33-kV lines was shut off, and a tall hydraulic crane was brought in to reach him.

Rescuers additionally placed mattresses and safety nets on the ground below as a precaution. Following a multi-hour operation, personnel reached the stranded pilot in the crane's basket and brought him safely to the ground, after which he was transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation without major injuries.