April 19 (Reuters) – A skydiver trailing a large American flag drifted off course and became tangled in the video board at a U.S. college football game on Saturday, leaving him suspended above the field by his parachute until he was rescued.
Viral videos from inside Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium, confirmed by Reuters, showed two skydivers descending into the arena before the school’s spring game, when one of them missed the designated landing area, hit the electronic scoreboard and became entangled.
Fans watched in distress as the skydiver, whose name was not immediately released, was left hanging for 15 to 20 minutes before emergency crews using an aerial ladder brought him to safety.
“We are grateful to report that the skydiver was safely secured and is currently stable. Our primary focus remains on their well-being,” Virginia Tech officials posted on X.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders, event staff, and medical personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response.”
No injuries were reported during the incident.
(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
