A paraglider has been dramatically rescued by fire crews after crashing into the roof of a luxury hotel in Northern Ireland.
The Incident and Rescue Operation
Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment the man, gliding through the air, collided with the Lough Erne Golf Resort near Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh. He was seen sliding down the sloping roof before coming to a stop, thankfully preventing a more serious fall.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed they were called at approximately 12.50pm on Sunday, 28 December 2025, to reports of a man trapped on the second-floor roof of the hotel. Specialist teams used rope rescue equipment and a ladder to safely retrieve the casualty.
The man was then handed over to the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). NIAS stated they dispatched a Rapid Response Paramedic, a HART Crew, and an Emergency Crew to the scene on Lough Shore Road. After assessment and initial treatment, the patient was transported to South West Acute Hospital. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
Hotel Response and Ongoing Operations
The resort acknowledged the incident on its social media channels. It confirmed that, aside from the immediate area of the collision, the hotel continued to operate normally and existing bookings were not affected. As a precautionary measure, the hotel was temporarily closed to members of the public who did not have reservations.
A spokesperson for NIFRS provided further details: ‘Firefighters, alongside the Specialist Rescue Team rescued the casualty using rope rescue equipment and a ladder. The man was left in the care of NIAS and firefighters left the scene at 4.46pm.’
Context and Previous Incidents
This alarming event follows a recent fatal paragliding collision in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November. In that incident, 59-year-old Philip Eric Haegler died after his paraglider’s wing was clipped by a hang glider. The hang glider instructor involved was later indicted for culpable homicide.
While the outcome in Fermanagh was far less severe, it underscores the inherent risks associated with air sports and the critical role of emergency services in responding to such unexpected accidents.
