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Russian Paraglider Rescued After Two-Hour Ordeal in Indian Himalayas
Russian Paraglider Rescued After Two-Hour Ordeal in Indian Himalayas
A 48-year-old Russian paraglider has been safely rescued after becoming entangled in high-tension electrical wires in the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. The man, identified as Aleksei Ivakhin, remained uninjured during a two-hour ordeal that required the mobilization of heavy machinery and emergency services.
A Russian national was safely extracted from high-voltage electrical lines in the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh following a tense two-hour rescue operation. Aleksei Ivakhin, 48, remained uninjured after his paraglider became entangled approximately 145 meters above the ground.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Mandi district. According to reports, Mr. Ivakhin had taken off earlier that day from Bir Billing, a well-known paragliding site located in the neighboring Kangra district. He lost control of his glider, which subsequently became caught in the high-tension wires.
The rescue effort was initiated promptly after Mr. Ivakhin managed to send photographs and his location data to the Bir Billing Paragliding Association. The Mandi district administration led the operation, maintaining constant communication with the stranded pilot via his mobile phone throughout the ordeal.
Support for the mission came from multiple agencies. The National Highways Authority of India deployed a 146-meter high-reach crane, a technical team, and an emergency ambulance from a nearby four-laning project site. Two Indian Air Force helicopters were also kept on standby to facilitate an emergency airlift if necessary.
After more than two hours suspended in the air, Mr. Ivakhin was lowered safely using the hydraulic crane. Officials noted that he had brought drinking water and food, which prevented dehydration during the wait. He was subsequently taken for a precautionary medical examination.
Apoorv Devgan, the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, highlighted the potential severity of the situation. He told The Indian Express that the outcome could have been fatal had the glider come into contact with additional high-tension wires. "Had the paraglider come into contact with another high-tension wire, there could have been a casualty," Devgan said.
The incident underscores the risks associated with paragliding in regions with complex infrastructure, though Mr. Ivakhin’s quick thinking and the coordinated response of local authorities resulted in a successful rescue without injury.
M.Hill--SFF
