Paraglider accident North Queensland: Rescue underway at Coolbie, Paluma

A rescue helicopter is responding to a serious accident involving a downed paraglider in rugged bush north of Townsville.

The Queensland Government Air (GQAir) departing Ingham Hospital in this file photo. Picture: Cameron Bates

A badly injured paraglider has been rescued after spiralling into rugged bush north of Townsville.

Queensland Ambulance Service said the paraglider had “spiralled into the ground” after launching from the Paluma Ranges at Coolbie about 30 kilometres south of Ingham at 8.49am.

A QAS spokeswoman said the male victim had sustained a significant army injury.

She said rescue efforts off the Bruce Highway were being hampered by “rough and difficult terrain”.

Three paramedic crews and Queensland Fire Department are on scene.

The view from the lower Paluma ranges at Coolbie between Ingham and Townsville. Picture: Cameron Bates

The spokeswoman said the Queensland Government Air (QGAir) rescue helicopter had been tasked and was heading to the scene of the accident and could potentially attempt an aerial extraction of the paraglider.

QAS said at 11.30pm that the victim had been flown to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition.

It is not the first accident at the popular paragliding location.

More to come.

Originally published as Paraglider accident North Queensland: Rescue underway at Coolbie, Paluma