Mecca paragliding accident: Pilot hospitalized after power line collision

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) New details are emerging after a paraglider was seriously injured when crashing into power lines Monday afternoon in Mecca.

According to officials, crews responded around 5 p.m. to reports of a paraglider down near Johnson Street and Highway 111.

Images shared by Riverside County Fire Department show what appears to be a paraglider and cables at the scene. Fire officials later confirmed the aircraft involved was a paraglider, not a parachute, after initial reports.

Officials say there was only one person on board. That pilot suffered major injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment.

Fire officials say once the patient was transferred to hospital care, they no longer received updates on the person’s condition.

Authorities have not said what caused the crash or how long the paraglider may have been entangled in the power lines. The incident remains under investigation.

News Channel 3 has reached out to family friends regarding the condition of the injured pilot, and will update you with any additional information as it becomes available.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this developing story.