A 65-year-old Dutch man died when he was swept into rocks by a gust of wind while hang gliding in the French Alps on Sunday. He plummeted from a great height after his glider was hit by a sudden gust of wind during a race that started from Mount Chabre.
3 months Ago
The victims were attacked at around 5:20 p.m. in the Val Buëch-Méouge municipality.
The man fell nearly 60 feet to a field nearby. Emergency services, including the French fire brigade and rescue organisation, arrived at the spot but were unsuccessful in saving him.
Cause of Accident Unclear
The exact circumstances remain uncertain.
Some witnesses said the glider lost its wing in the high winds, and others reported that the canopy was torn away by the sudden gust. The victim sustained fatal injuries as a result of the impact.
The competition also saw several hang gliders taking off from Mount Chabre, a popular spot in the Hautes-Alpes.
It's a favourite hang gliding and paragliding area, where enthusiasts from all over Europe fly.
Popular Spot Turns Fatal
Mount Chabre is one of the premier locations for hang gliding and paragliding and is known for its wide views and strong thermals. But the same weather factors that make it attractive also pose a risk when the weather turns quickly.
Sunday's accident has raised questions about safety in such races, especially when the weather is changing.
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