TWO paragliders have died after crashing mid-air shortly after leaping off a popular mountain tourist spot.
The Lebanese man and American woman were killed in the Spanish holiday hotspot after colliding while gliding, reports say.
The unprecedented tragedy took place at Algodonales in the Sierra de Cadiz in south-west Spain.
Thousands of paragliding fans from all over Europe visit the destination every year.
Schools in the area suspended all their activities following the horror around 12.30pm on Monday.
Two helicopters were scrambled to the scene as part of the urgent emergency response.
One of the victims was already dead by the time paramedics arrived.
The other succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
It is unclear if the two paragliders knew each other.
Local reports claim the man was from Lebanon while the woman was a US citizen.
Authorities said: “Two people have died in a collision between two paragliders in Algodonales, in the province of Cadiz.
“Shortly before 12.30pm, 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: “A medical helicopter and a Civil Guard rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene.
“Emergency medical personnel confirmed the deaths of both individuals.”
The tragedy came just weeks after the Spanish Paragliding Championship which was held in Algodonales from September 13 to 19.
One recent specialist travel magazine described the picturesque village of Algodonales, nestled below the Sierra de Lijar mountain, as a “European Mecca for beginner and low airtime pilots”.
Council officials in Algodonales announced two days of official mourning following the deadly ordeal.
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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