Paraglider rescued from high-voltage lines in Pruggern

A 73-year-old German paraglider was rescued after becoming entangled in a 30kV high-voltage power line near Pruggern in the Enns Valley, Austria. The accident occurred on a Wednesday afternoon when the pilot reportedly misjudged his landing approach, leaving him suspended several meters above the ground.

Emergency services from Pruggern, Michaelerberg, and Gröbming responded to the scene. Due to rain-softened ground, heavy fire department vehicles could not reach the site, requiring the use of a specialized aerial work platform to reach the pilot. The rescue was completed within approximately 20 minutes once the power lines were shut off and grounded.

The incident caused widespread power outages across the region, affecting three-quarters of the households in Pruggern as well as residents in Aich and Niederöblarn. The pilot remained conscious throughout the operation and was transported to a hospital in Schladming for medical treatment. Power was restored after the line was repaired.