Hang Glider Pilot Rescued After Hours Stuck on Tower Crane in China

A hang glider pilot was trapped for hours on a huge tower crane in Nanchong, Sichuan province, China, after losing control and becoming entangled in the structure near a bridge. Witnesses watched and filmed the frightening scene as he hung high in the air, helpless against the conditions. The footage quickly spread on social media worldwide.

The rescue turned into a race against time and lasted for hours because of the height and the dangerous position of the crane. Fire and rescue teams had to plan a precise operation to avoid a deadly fall for the pilot or damage to the equipment.

He remained stuck until dark, waiting as crews prepared a complex nighttime extraction. Late in the night, firefighters extended a special aerial ladder to its maximum length to reach him.

According to local media citing official government sources, the operation ended safely. The pilot was freed from the crane and brought down to the ground unharmed.