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Paraglider gets snagged in power lines Friday evening after having to make an emergency landing

Paraglider ran out of fuel

Contributed

UPDATED 9:25 a.m.

A paraglider who got caught up in some power lines on Highway 97 in Vernon ran out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on June 2, Vernon Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 4400-block of 32nd Street (Highway 97), with reports from several drivers that a person on a fan-powered paraglider, which is also known as a paramotor, was stuck approximately 20 feet off the ground.

Firefighters parked a fire engine under the patient to keep him from falling and then used the bucket of a ladder truck to safely remove him, the machine and the parachute from the wires and return them to the ground.

“It appears the paraglider ran out of fuel and the operator had to make an emergency landing,” said Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hofsink.

“The patient was assessed by paramedics on site and no injuries were reported. We’re proud of the quick and creative work of the crew to complete this rescue and we’re thankful that everyone was kept safe.”


ORIGINAL 8:22 p.m.

A paraglider got caught up in power lines overhanging Highway 97 through Vernon on Friday night, halting southbound traffic as emergency crews worked to get him free.

A local resident travelling through the area told Castanet they saw the paraglider snagged in the power lines near 34 Street.

They said the paraglider's fan was attached and the parachute canvas was dangling from behind them.

"Pretty crazy. You don't see that every day," they said. "They got fire trucks in the middle of the highway still and an ambulance. It looks like the guy is okay, but that was definitely interesting and they had to use a ladder to get them down."

Now that the individual has been safely escorted down, they said the highway appears to be opening back up again.



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