PHOENIX — A paraglider collided with a power pole and became entangled in overhead lines during his descent near a Phoenix mountainside on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from emergency crews.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near Thunderbird Road and Seventh Street, according to the Phoenix Fire Department. The adult male pilot, whose identity has not been released, was descending from a flight when he struck a utility pole, leaving his paraglider tangled in live power lines.
Upon arrival, firefighters assessed the precarious situation and worked quickly to ensure both the safety of the pilot and the stability of the area, which posed a risk due to the power infrastructure. With careful coordination, the man was assisted out of his flight harness and helped onto a large rock formation situated beneath the lines.
After safely reaching the rock ledge, firefighters used ropes and other rescue equipment to guide the pilot down the mountain to ground level.
Despite the dramatic entanglement, the man was reportedly uninjured. He was evaluated at the scene by emergency medical responders but declined further treatment or transport to a hospital.
Utility crews were also notified to assess the condition of the power lines and confirm that no lasting damage had occurred.
Officials have not yet released details about what caused the paraglider to veer off course or whether wind or equipment failure played a role. The incident remains under review.
