A tragic incident unfolded on Monday at the Indru Nag paragliding site near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, when Satish, a 27-year-old tourist from Gujarat, lost his life during a tandem paragliding attempt. A disturbing 10-second video captures ground staff pushing both Satish and pilot Suraj off a slope, only for the glider to collapse seconds later. The pair was rushed to Zonal Hospital in Dharamshala before Satish was airlifted to Tanda Medical College, where he succumbed to grievous injuries that evening. Suraj is currently under treatment.

Inspector Investigates Safety Standards

Following the accident, Additional Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal confirmed that the local station house officer (SHO) has been tasked with a thorough inquiry. “The local station house officer (SHO) has been directed to investigate the case, with the tourism department officials also being asked to look into the matter,” the officer said. Authorities are reviewing whether proper protocols were followed during the flight and if the site was technically cleared for paragliding.

This fatal crash marks the second tragedy at the Indru Nag launch zone in just six months; in January, 19‑year‑old Bhaveshawar Khushi from Gujarat also died during launch. In response, Kangra District’s Deputy Commissioner, Haimraj Bairwa, has imposed a complete ban on paragliding activities—including at Bir‑Billing—until September 15, citing heavy pre-monsoon risks.

Rising Paragliding Death Toll in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh has seen over a dozen paragliding-related deaths in the past 30 months, often involving reckless pilots venturing into risky valleys without adequate training. Suresh Thakur, founder of the Billing Paragliding Association, criticised tandem pilots: “In majority of paragliding crashes, tandem pilots are at fault. But never has any action been taken against them. They continue to fly and put others’ lives at risk.”

Officials confirmed that Satish’s parents have been notified and his body will be released following an autopsy. Tourism authorities are evaluating whether to suspend the operator’s license for offering flights at a site not yet approved by forest officials. The crash took place just two days before the seasonal adventure ban took effect on June 15 due to monsoon hazards.