Miraculous Escape: Paraglider Survives Near-Everest Ascent

In a stunning turn of events high in the Qilian Mountains of China, 55-year-old paraglider Peng Yujiang found himself unexpectedly soaring to an altitude of 8,500 meters. He was testing a second-hand harness when a powerful updraft caught him, carrying him far beyond any anticipated flight path. Without supplemental oxygen or appropriate cold-weather gear, Peng faced temperatures plummeting to -40°C. "I was completely covered in ice," Peng recounted in a brief interview following his ordeal. "I felt lost and disoriented." Despite the extreme conditions, Peng managed to land safely, a testament to his resilience and skill. The incident, however, resulted in a six-month suspension from Chinese aviation authorities for his unauthorized flight. His story serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in paragliding and the importance of safety protocols.