A British national has died following a paragliding accident in the province of Alicante, Spain, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the town of Altea, a popular destination for outdoor sports.
The deceased, a 34-year-old man from London, was reportedly flying solo when his equipment malfunctioned at an altitude of approximately 200 metres. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 11am local time, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial investigations by the Spanish Civil Guard suggest a technical failure may have caused the accident. The paraglider, a standard model used for recreational flying, was recovered intact. Authorities are analysing the equipment as part of a routine inquiry.
The victim had been on holiday with his partner, who witnessed the crash. She is receiving support from British consular staff. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is in contact with local authorities and providing assistance to the family.
Paragliding accidents in Spain are rare but not unprecedented. Data from the Spanish Air Sports Federation records an average of three fatalities per year out of roughly 10,000 active pilots. The sport involves significant risks, particularly in mountainous terrain where thermal currents can shift unpredictably.
A full report is expected within weeks. The British Embassy in Madrid has urged UK nationals to ensure their travel insurance covers adventure sports and to verify that operators hold valid licences. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols.
Altea, situated on the Costa Blanca, is known for its cliffs and thermal lift conditions, attracting experienced pilots from across Europe. Local authorities have not suspended paragliding activities, but have issued a statement emphasising the need for compliance with safety guidelines.
