Sheffield: 'Incredibly lucky' man survives parachute failure

The man landed on the roof of a structure in an industrial estate in Station Road, Ecclesfield

A paraglider was "incredibly lucky" to survive, suffering only minor injuries after his parachute failed, firefighters have said.

The man, aged in his 60s, landed on a "large tent-like structure" in an industrial estate in Ecclesfield, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said.

It said the nature of the structure helped soften his fall on Saturday.

Gavin Jones, from the fire service, said: "In 25 years firefighting I've never known of an incident like it."

He added: "The man has been incredibly lucky and I'm just so pleased we were able to bring him to safety."

The service said the paraglider had been taking part in a glide in Derbyshire when his chute malfunctioned, forcing him to make an emergency landing.

Fire crews from Stocksbridge and Parkway worked alongside ambulance and police to safely bring the man down from the roof.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said he was "absolutely fine" and explained that the structure he came down on, located in Station Road, was used to store salt grit and had a soft roof.