Two paragliders lost their lives after their aircraft collided shortly after launching from a popular mountain spot in Spain.

The victims, a man from Lebanon and a woman holding US citizenship, were killed in the holiday area of Algodonales, located in the Sierra de Cadiz of south-west Spain.

The accident occurred around 12.30 pm on Monday in the Levante launch zone on the southern slope, a site that is hard to reach.

Paragliding schools in the vicinity halted all operations following the incident.

Two helicopters - a medical and a Civil Guard rescue unit - were sent to the location as part of the emergency response.

When paramedics arrived, one of the individuals was already deceased; the second died shortly after receiving treatment.

It has not been established whether the two pilots knew each other.

Authorities reported: "Two people have died in a collision between two paragliders in Algodonales, in the province of Cadiz."

"Shortly before 12.30 pm, the 112 emergency telephone service received the first of several calls reporting the collision in the Levante launch area on the southern slope, in a location that is difficult to access."

"The callers requested urgent medical assistance for two injured people, one of whom was receiving CPR."

They added that both a medical helicopter and a Civil Guard rescue helicopter were dispatched, and that emergency medical staff confirmed the deaths of both persons.

The mishap follows the Spanish Paragliding Championship held in Algodonales from September 13 to 19.

A recent travel magazine described Algodonales, set below the Sierra de Lijar, as a "European Mecca for beginner and low airtime pilots".

Town officials announced a two-day period of official mourning in response to the tragedy.

They said: "The Algodonales Town Council extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the two paraglider pilots who lost their lives in a tragic accident while flying in the Sierra de Líjar. We send them our strength and support during these very difficult times. Two days of official mourning will be declared following the deaths of both athletes."

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