The tragic death of 31-year-old Antonis Kourras, a paragliding enthusiast, has been confirmed as resulting from multiple injuries sustained during a crash in Kiti.
- The tragic death of 31-year-old Antonis Kourras, a paragliding enthusiast, has been confirmed as resulting from multiple injuries sustained during a crash in Kiti.
Kourras, who hailed from the village of Anayia in Nicosia, lost control of his motorised paraglider while flying at a low altitude over the sea in the Parasolia area of Kiti on Thursday morning. The incident occurred as he was navigating the strong winds that were reported in the region at the time.
The subsequent autopsy, conducted on Friday at Nicosia General Hospital by state forensic pathologists Angeliki Papetta and Orthodoxos Orthodoxou, established that Kourras’s death was due to severe injuries to vital organs and other parts of his body.
Emergency services pronounced Kourras dead at the scene after he crashed onto rocks near the shore. His untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about the safety measures in place for recreational pilots.
The aircraft accident and incident investigation board (AAIIB), alongside officers from Kiti police station, promptly arrived at the crash site to initiate inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the accident. AAIIB chairman Antonis Antoniou stated that a preliminary inspection of the paraglider has already been conducted. He noted, “There may or may not have been a problem with the machine, or the accident could have been linked to the strong winds in the area at the time.”
Antoniou emphasised the complexity of the investigation, indicating that various factors, including equipment checks and weather conditions, would be scrutinised. He remarked, “The investigation will take some time, as we will be examining various parameters and gathering information from witnesses.”
In light of the rising popularity of paragliding, Antoniou highlighted the inherent risks associated with the sport. “Essentially, the pilot relies on the wind, and if something goes wrong, an accident can easily happen,” he explained. He urged pilots to adhere strictly to regulations, utilise approved flying areas, undergo proper training, and remain vigilant about weather conditions.
Additionally, police spokesman Spyros Chrysostomou disclosed that investigators plan to interview the individual who was flying alongside Kourras at the time of the accident. This account may provide further insight into the tragic event.
