Firefighters rescue paraglider from high-voltage line

Firefighters rescued a paraglider pilot who became caught in a 30-kilovolt power line in Pruggern, in the Liezen district, on Wednesday evening, ORF reported. Electricity was temporarily switched off to allow the rescue.

It was already dark when firefighters were called to the scene near Pruggern’s tennis court. Rain had softened the ground, preventing heavy emergency vehicles from reaching the pilot. Using a platform lift arranged at the site, crews freed him within 20 minutes of switching off and grounding the line, according to the fire service.

The pilot remained responsive throughout the rescue. It was not yet known whether he had been injured or how seriously; he was taken to hospital.

The incident caused widespread temporary power cuts in the Enns Valley. The fire service said three-quarters of households in the municipality of Pruggern, as well as additional households as far as Aich, were connected to the affected transformer distribution station. The line was restored after the rescue.