Dharamshala (HP) (PTI): An experienced pilot was killed when a tandem paraglider developed a technical malfunction shortly after take off and crashed near the road below the launch site in Kangra district, officials said.

The incident occurred at the internationally renowned Bir Billing paragliding site.

The accident occurred on Friday evening when a tandem paraglider took off from the Billing launch point.

According to officials of the Bir Billing Paragliding Association, the paraglider developed a technical malfunction shortly after take off, lost balance mid-air, and crashed near the road below the launch site. The pilot died while the accompanying tourist sustained injuries.

The pilot, identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Barot in Mandi district, was critically injured in the crash.

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Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the spot and shifted both the pilot and the tourist to a hospital.

However, Singh succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital, while the tourist was reported to be out of danger after receiving first aid.

A case has been registered, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Authorities are examining whether the incident was caused by a technical fault, human error, or weather-related factors.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns about safety arrangements at adventure sports destinations, especially regarding regular equipment checks, pilot certification, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

District Tourism Development Officer, Kangra, Vinay Kumar said all documents and information related to the accident have been sought from the marshals and technical advisors stationed at the site.

"Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation report," he said.

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New Delhi: The countdown has begun for the counting of votes for the Assembly elections in five states that have captured the attention of people across the country.

The counting of votes for the Assembly constituencies of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry will begin simultaneously at 8 am, and the fate of candidates in a total of 824 constituencies will be decided shortly.

The counting of postal ballots will take place first, followed by the counting of EVM votes in several rounds.

► DMK candidate in Thiruchirapalli KN Nehru behind TVK's G Ramamoorthi by 292 votes

► The BJP has taken an early lead in West Bengal, while Mamata Banerjee faces tough competition

► TVK head Vijay leads in Perambur constituency

► M. K. Stalin is leading in Tamil Nadu’s Kolathur constituency.

► AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami is leading in Tamil Nadu’s Edappadi constituency

► In Puducherry, BJP is leading in 3 seats.

► In Assam, BJP is leading in 56 seats, while Congress is leading in 12 seats.

► Suvendhu Adhikari leads in both Bhabanipur and Nandigram

► West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee faces setback in Bhabanipur constituency

► Bhupen Borah, who recently left Congress and joined the BJP, is leading in Assam’s Bihpuria constituency

► Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading in Jalukabari constituency

► BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is leading in West Bengal’s Nandigram constituencyFive-state elections: Postal vote counting begins

► TMC, BJP lead in one seat each in West Bengal

► In Tamil Nadu, DMK leads in 3 constituencies, while TVK leads in 1

► UDF leads in 5 seats in Kerala, BJP in 1, LDF in 1

► BJP leads in 2 seats, AIUDF in 1 in Assam

► AINRC leads in 1 constituency in Puducherry

► TMC leads in 5 seats in West Bengal; Mamata Banerjee’s party maintains initial lead

► Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin leads in Kolathur

► BJP takes early lead in Assam

► Congress-led UDF leads in Kerala

► Tamil Nadu, TVK chief Vijay leads in the Perambur constituency, lags in Tiruchirappalli South

► BJP leads in 10 seats in Assam

► LDF candidate V.P.P. Mustafa leads in the Thrikkaripur Assembly constituency

► Out of 294 seats in West Bengal, BJP is leading in 14 seats, TMC in 12 seats, Congress in 2 seats

► Out of 234 seats in Tamil Nadu, DMK is leading in 15 seats, AIADMK is leading in 5 seats, TVK is leading in 2 seats

► Out of 126 seats in Assam, BJP is leading in 31 seats, Congress in 4 seats, AIUDF in 2 seats.

► Out of 30 seats in Puducherry, NRC+ is leading in 3 seats, Congress in 2 seats, TVK in 1 seat.

► Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury suffers a setback in theBerhampore constituency in West Bengal.