Paraglider seriously injured after failed launch at Stubai Glacier

A 23-year-old German man was seriously injured in a paragliding accident at the Stubai Glacier ski area on Friday afternoon, ORF reported. He struck rocks after failing to gain enough height during take-off.

The man and a 21-year-old compatriot, both of whom live in Innsbruck, tried to launch from a closed ski run. The younger man abandoned his attempt, while the 23-year-old continued from the run into steep terrain.

He hit the rocks first with his skis and then with his body in a flatter section, suffering serious injuries to his feet, pelvis and shoulder. After receiving emergency treatment at the scene, he was recovered from the rocky terrain by piste rescue staff and alpine police. A C1 emergency helicopter flew him to the University Clinic in Innsbruck.