Mid-Air Scare at Tehri Lake as Paragliders Crash During Championship
A dramatic incident unfolded over the picturesque Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand during the three-day Acro Festival and SIV Championship, when two seasoned paraglider pilots experienced a terrifying mid-air failure. The tandem pilots, identified as Monu Thakur and Gaurav Thakur, both hailing from Himachal Pradesh, were performing advanced aerial maneuvers when their equipment malfunctioned, causing them to plummet hundreds of feet into the vast reservoir below.
Sudden Descent and Swift Rescue Operation
Eyewitnesses reported that the paragliders suddenly lost control during an acrobatic maneuver, descending rapidly before splashing into the water. The unexpected crash sent shockwaves through the spectators gathered at the lakefront to watch the championship. Fortunately, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team, which was strategically deployed as part of the event's comprehensive safety arrangements, sprang into immediate action.
Using an inflatable rubber boat, the alert SDRF personnel sped across the waters and successfully pulled both pilots to safety. Preliminary medical examinations confirmed that the duo escaped without serious injuries, thanks to the prompt rescue efforts. The quick response was possible because rescue teams were already positioned in the area, as highlighted by SDRF sub-inspector Pankaj Kharola.
Technical Issue Behind the Incident
District tourism officer Sobat Singh Rana attributed the incident to a technical issue that occurred when the pilots were attempting a complex maneuver on Thursday. "One of the parachutes failed to deploy properly, forcing the pilots to make an emergency landing in the lake," Rana explained. He emphasized that both Monu and Gaurav were highly trained professionals with extensive experience in such extreme aerial sports.
The paragliders had taken off from Pratapnagar and were scheduled to land at Koti near Tehri Lake. Acro paragliding, which involves advanced maneuvers like wingovers, spirals, and spins, is considered an extreme sport that demands precision and expertise.
International Participation and Event Conclusion
The championship attracted numerous participants from 11 different countries, transforming Tehri into a bustling hub for adventure sports enthusiasts throughout the week. Despite this alarming incident, officials maintained that all safety protocols remained rigorously in place throughout the event. The festival concluded on Friday with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in attendance, marking the end of an event that showcased both thrilling performances and effective emergency response mechanisms.
This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with extreme aerial sports while simultaneously highlighting the importance of having well-prepared rescue teams on standby. The successful rescue operation demonstrates how proper safety planning can prevent potential tragedies during high-adrenaline adventure events.
