British cinematographer George Richmond, known for his work in Hollywood blockbusters such as “Free Guy” and “Deadpool & Wolverine”, underwent successful surgery and is recovering in a hospital in Chandigarh after sustaining injuries during a paragliding accident in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
The accident occurred on June 8 when Richmond was paragliding in the Colo area and suffered a fall. He was rescued after a frantic search operation by Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel.
He was later airlifted to Chandigarh where he underwent surgery for his injuries. The cinematographer is currently stable, conscious, and communicating effectively. He is still being closely monitored by a specialized multidisciplinary team that includes doctors and nurses.
Also Read: Paragliding accident at HP: Cinematographer George Richmond stable after surgery at PGI
Here’s everything you need to know about paragliding accident, rescue and treatment:
– Paragliding flight: Richmond, 54, was among a group of five on the long cross-country flight from Bir Billing in Kangra to Diu Tibba. It reportedly crashed in a rugged mountainous area near Diu Teba.
– Saves: After the accident, four glider pilots informed the local administration, and a coordinated search and rescue operation was launched. He was rescued in an operation involving local authorities in Himachal and the Indian Air Force.
Also Read: Hollywood cinematographer George Richmond injured in paragliding accident in Himachal Pradesh, undergoes surgery
– Evacuation: Rescuers successfully evacuated Richmond from the accident site and moved him to a safer location nearby. He received initial medical care in Kullu and was airlifted by an Indian Air Force helicopter to Chandigarh.
– treatment: During the incident, he sustained serious neck injuries and was shifted to Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh. At PGIMER, he was evaluated by the trauma team including general surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Doctors said that George suffered injuries to the neck and spine. He underwent surgery on Thursday.
– What did the doctors say: Doctors at PGIMER said the injuries included a fracture of the C1 vertebra along with a fracture and dislocation at the C5-C6 level, resulting in quadriplegia, HT had reported earlier. He is said to be stable, conscious, and communicates effectively. It is carefully monitored by a close team that includes doctors, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and allied health care professionals. Surgery involved removing the damaged intervertebral disc and broken elements causing nerve compression.
