16-3-2024 (SEOUL) A thrilling paragliding adventure turned fatal as tragedy struck in the picturesque county of Danyang, South Korea. The incident, occurring on March 15, resulted in the death of the instructor and left a tourist critically injured.
Danyang, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, serves as a popular destination for paragliding enthusiasts, boasting numerous vendors eager to provide tourists with unforgettable aerial experiences, according to local media reports.
The unfortunate accident saw both the instructor, aged in his 50s, and the tourist, in his 30s, plummet from an altitude of approximately 20 meters. Their landing, approximately 50 meters off the mark, proved disastrous.
Emergency services swiftly responded, transporting both individuals to the hospital. Tragically, the instructor succumbed to his injuries, having suffered a cardiac arrest, while medical professionals battled to save the tourist, who sustained severe wounds.
An employee of the paragliding centre informed authorities that adverse wind conditions led to one of the paraglider’s wings folding, precipitating the crash.
Law enforcement agencies have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to uncover the factors contributing to the tragic outcome.
Additionally, representatives from the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s aviation and railway accident investigation committee visited the site in Danyang, situated approximately three hours from the bustling capital of Seoul.
Footage from broadcast news outlets depicted a poignant scene at the crash site, with helmets, safety gear, and backpacks strewn across the ground. Remarkably, the video equipment typically utilized by the company to capture the tourist’s experience was conspicuously absent.
A police spokesperson warned that the paragliding vendor could face punitive measures if found negligent in adhering to safety protocols and management.
Disturbingly, statistics provided by Korean broadcaster YTN revealed that over the past five years, approximately 25 individuals have lost their lives in more than 50 paragliding accidents, underscoring the inherent risks associated with the adrenaline-fueled activity.
