Paragleiter collision on Schmittenhöhe: Two injuries to drama

Paragleiter kollidierten auf der Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See mit einer Seilbahn. Pilot und Passagier verletzt. Ermittlungen laufen.
Parag leaders collided with a cable car on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See. Pilot and passenger injured. Investigations run. (Symbolbild/ANAGAT)

Paragleiter collision on Schmittenhöhe: Two injuries to drama

Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See, Österreich - On June 21, 2025, a dramatic incident overshadowed the idyllic Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See. A 36-year-old paragluder pilot got into a dangerous location on his planned flight from the northwest start of Fürth and collided with the cable car. The two participants, the pilot and a 62-year-old passenger, suffered injuries to an indefinite degree and had to be transported to the state hospital Zell am See, such as Salzburg 24 reported.

The pilot noticed a "hanger" on the left side of his umbrella at the start, but decided to continue with the start. A fatal decision, as it should turn out a little later. During the flight, the parag leader was distracted towards the cap railway, which ultimately led to a collision with the support rope and a lift. Despite all the trial attempts, the accident did not fail.

accident in the Zillertal increases concern

Just a few months earlier, a tragic crash in the Zillertal had shaken the communities. A 33-year-old parag leader died in fat when his umbrella folded together for unknown cause during the approach. The pilot from Schwendau crashed between 100 and 150 meters and could no longer be saved around 3:30 p.m. Such incidents are piling up in the region, which has now led to an increased discussion about security at the paragliding, such as Merkur reported.

The Zillertal, known for its picturesque landscapes and as a popular tourist destination with around 35,000 inhabitants, has experienced a number of similar incidents in recent months. This development takes care of both locals and tourists who repeatedly hear from the dangers of paraglide.

Investigations run

The police are now investigating in both cases and examining the exact circumstances of the accidents. In particular, the question arises to what extent human failure or technical defects have played a role. The return to normality according to such tragic incidents can often be lengthy, and those affected and their families will surely continue to be shaped by these experiences.

The incident on Schmittenhöhe is another warning signal at a time when adventure and extreme sport are becoming increasingly popular. Safety should always come first, not least for the athletes themselves and the people who look at their passion out of air.

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OrtSchmittenhöhe, Zell am See, Österreich
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