In a troubling series of incidents in Hong Kong, a paraglider lost control and collided with a hiker at Ngong Ping, Ma On Shan, on October 12, 2024. The 51-year-old male paraglider sustained injuries to his leg and neck, while the 27-year-old female hiker suffered head injuries. Both individuals were transported to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital via helicopter following the accident. The exact location of the incident remains unclear, but Pyramid Hill is the only designated paragliding site in Ngong Ping, which stands at 396 meters above sea level. The Civil Aviation Department has since advised paragliders to be well-acquainted with emergency landing plans to prevent such accidents in the future [7797b045].
This incident comes on the heels of a recent tragedy involving a Chinese tourist who fell off Lion Rock mountain in Hong Kong. The 37-year-old tourist, named Liang, lost his balance while climbing and fell approximately 82 feet (25 meters). He was found unconscious and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Liang was part of a group of friends who had started the hike earlier that day. Lion Rock mountain is a popular hiking destination, but it has seen several fatalities in recent years due to falls [e6098f7f].
In another accident, a Hong Kong tour bus struck an overpass near the Lok Ma Chau border crossing on October 20, 2024. The vehicle was traveling on Heung Yuen Wai Highway at approximately 11:51 am when it collided with an overpass that had a height clearance of 2.4 meters (7.9 feet). The 25-year-old driver, surnamed Mak, sustained injuries to his eyes, neck, and hands and was taken to North District Hospital for treatment. Dashcam footage revealed the bus was heavily damaged, with a dented roof and shattered windscreen [d9901fae].
In a separate wildlife-related story, a rare mountain lion was sighted in Los Angeles, sparking excitement among residents and conservationists. The mountain lion, known as the Hollywood cat, was filmed by Vlad Polumiskov while he was getting his son out of the car. Scientists have raised concerns about the potential extinction of mountain lions due to habitat restrictions and environmental threats. The sighting coincides with state lawmakers voting on bills aimed at improving wildlife connectivity [0ed9a907].
Additionally, Mike Heslin, a star of the TV show 'Lioness', tragically passed away at the age of 30 after a week-long hospitalization due to sudden cardiac arrest. His husband revealed that doctors could not determine the cause of his death. Heslin was known for his roles in various shows and had recently celebrated his wedding [d25fc384].
In response to climbing safety concerns, Hong Kong authorities have warned visitors against climbing a 400 million-year-old rock outcrop known as Devil's Fist at a Unesco-protected natural park. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department plans to step up patrols and promote guidelines to protect the park's natural features [d07de204].
The recent incidents highlight the importance of safety measures and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities, as well as the need for increased awareness of the risks involved in hiking, paragliding, and public transportation [a7406127].