A paraglider has died after falling 20 metres over Far North Queensland.
Emergency services rushed to Polich Road in Mena Creek, 19km south-west of Innisfail, about 5.40pm on Monday and found a 63-year-old man with serious leg and chest injuries.
The man, from Utchee Creek, was using a motorised parachute when he plummeted some 20 metres.
He was being airlifted to Cairns Hospital when he died.
‘Investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,’ Queensland Police said in a statement.
Senior Sergeant Michele Rix said officers believe the man launched from a nearby field alongside another man using a seperate glider.
‘The 63-year-old man encountered some sort of difficulty in the air before descending quickly and hitting the ground,’ she said, ABC reported.
Police have seized the paraglide and paramotor for testing.
A 63-year-old man died after falling 20 metres while paragliding in Far North Queensland
Witnesses saw the crash and called emergency services (pictured, the landing site in Mena Creek)
The other paraglider was not injured.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident after witnesses on the ground saw the man crash.
‘Obviously it’s a traumatic experience for those witnesses, that man and the deceased man’s family … police are providing them with support services,’ Senior Sergeant Rix said.
Innisfail Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
