Tourist paraglider smashes into tree

A man visiting from out of the country was injured while paragliding when he crashed into a tree in Vallejo Tuesday afternoon, a fire spokesman said.

Shortly before 5 p.m., the man’s wife and friend paragliding with him entered Fire Station 27 at 1585 Ascot Court to report the crash, fire spokesman Mark Libby said.

A downdraft sent the man into a tree and rocks in the area of Columbus Parkway and Ascot Court, Libby said. Emergency crews were able to secure the man who was unable to walk on his own, according to Libby.

The man was wearing protective clothing and padding when he was found, Libby said. He suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a helicopter crew that airlifted him to a trauma center, the spokesman said.

No other injuries were reported. Libby said the man has more than 10 years of experience in paragliding but “today was just not his day.”