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Paraglider dies after crashing into power line in Gloucestershire

Police tape at the cordon across a crime scene: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Police tape at the cordon across a crime scene: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A paraglider has died after colliding into power lines over a field in Gloucestershire.

Emergency services were called to Eastington, Stonehouse, at about 1.20pm on Tuesday.

The victim, in his 40s, was from the local area. He had been paragliding on his own when he hit power lines over a nearby field.

The fire service told BBC News a number of fires broke out as the cables came down, affecting power in about 500 homes.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire police said: “Sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin has been informed.

“Emergency services remain at the scene.”

Western Power said it has restored power to all supplies in the area around Eastington, where the incident happened.

The pilot of a motorised paraglider in Scotland has also died after his aircraft crashed in a field in Inverclyde on Tuesday.

Police were called to the area near Garshangan Road in Kilmacolm around 11.50am, and a 77-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 11.50am on Tuesday, 2 June, police were called to a field near Garshangan Road, Kilmacolm, where a motorised paraglider had crashed.

“Emergency services are in attendance, however the 77-year-old male pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

Additional reporting by PA