Paraglider Rescued From Tree Along Taconic Trail

The Berkshire Eagle  reports a paraglider who landed in a tree 40 feet above ground along the Taconic Trail over the weekend escaped unharmed after calling 911 and being helped down by first responders.

Uziel Desouza, of Wrentham, was paragliding near the New York border around 1 p.m. Saturday when, for reasons unknown, he got hung up in the tree just off Route 2, according to Williamstown authorities. Local police say Desouza immediately called 911 from his cellphone while stuck in the branches.

The Williamstown Forest Warden and Fire Department responded to the emergency along with the Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team. Police say members of the specialized rescue unit needed more than an hour to climb the tree to free Desouza and bring him down safely.

None of the rescuers were injured. Northern Berkshire EMS was also responded to the scene.