A tragic paragliding accident has left a 64-year-old man dead after he succumbed to injuries sustained during the flight.
The incident, which occurred near Porterville in the Western Cape, has prompted local authorities to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Details of the Incident
The man, a recreational paraglider from Switzerland, was part of a group of five paragliders who had set off from Piekenierskloof in Citrusdal on Thursday afternoon.
The group, which launched between 13:00 and 14:00, lost contact with the victim during their flight.
This prompted the other paragliders to immediately notify Skymed and initiate a search for their missing companion.
The search operation was coordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), with support from Metro EMS Rescue and AMS.
Authorities were able to locate the victim in the mountains near Ontongskop, and he was later brought to Waterval Nature Reserve.
Sadly, medical personnel declared him deceased at the scene.
Investigation and Post-Mortem
Western Cape police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana confirmed the news, revealing that an inquest docket has been opened by Tulbagh police to determine the cause of the crash.
A post-mortem will be conducted to assist in understanding the circumstances surrounding the man’s tragic death.
The Role of the South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association
The South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) also acknowledged the incident, confirming that no witnesses were present to offer further insight into what caused the fatal crash.
They shared the details of the accident and expressed their condolences.
The incident, which occurred on January 9, 2025, has raised concerns about paragliding safety in the region.
SAHPA has reported that the Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) has been notified and will oversee the investigation into the crash.
Paragliding Safety and Future Discussions
As the investigation unfolds, questions about paragliding safety in South Africa are bound to surface.
The public is encouraged to share their thoughts on the best places to paraglide in the country, with a focus on safety and enjoyment.