Update:
Vernon Matters has received another report of a parachute malfunction.
The latest incident occurred around 11 a.m. this morning near Polson Park
According to posts on Twitter, Vernon Fire Rescue was called to the scene.
Brett from Okanagan Skydiving said no accident took place.
“There was a main parachute that got cut away and that’s a fairly regular thing on a busy day, So the skydiver opened his reserve parachute safely and landed safe in the field here,” he said.
It was the second report of a parachute malfunction in just a few hours.
Global says the incidents occurred during the Great Canadian Freefall Festival featuring a number of certified skydivers from across the country, and hosted by Okanagan Skydive.
(Tiffany Goodwein)
—
Original story:
A representative of a Vernon skydiving business says it was no big deal, even though it may have appeared to be.
Vernon Fire Rescue was called to the Okanagan Skydive facility on Tronson Road by the Vernon Airport this morning after reports of a malfunctioning parachute.
Vanessa from Okanagan Skydive tells Vernon Matters, an experienced male jumper had his main parachute malfunction.
“He cut away his main chute and used his reserve, and landed safety,” said Vanessa, who did not give her last name.
“It can happen — it’s rare, but they are trained to deal with that. That’s why they have two parachutes,” she added.
The business rep said the jumper was from the Vernon area.
