Person killed after a paragliding accident in Fresno County, CAL FIRE confirms

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A person was killed in a paragliding accident Saturday morning in the Burrough Mountain area near Tollhouse, according to CAL FIRE.

Crews responded to the scene shortly before 11:30 a.m. at what officials say is a popular launch point for paragliding.

Firefighters determined the victim experienced an in-air emergency that caused them to lose control before crashing about 500 yards from the launch site.

Emergency crews had to clear heavy vegetation in the area to allow a CHP helicopter to access the scene and remove the victim. Officials said the terrain and unpaved roads made access difficult.

CAL FIRE Capt. Zach Irion said an off-duty fire captain from a Bay Area agency reached the victim before responders arrived.

"Prior to us getting to the scene, there was an off-duty fire captain from a Bay Area agency ...made it down to the victim, determined the injuries... were fatal," Irion said.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is working to identify the victim.