Video footage shows paraglider Peng Yujiang’s accidental 8000m-high flight

A Chinese paraglider has survived being accidentally propelled 8,500m (27,800ft) into the sky above north-west China, state media report.

Peng Yujiang was testing new equipment over the Qilian mountains on Saturday, when a rare updraft or air current known as a “cloud suck” pulled him higher into the air.

Mr Peng narrowly survived death – oxygen levels are thin at that altitude and temperatures can plummet to -40C.

Chinese authorities are investigating the incident and Mr Peng has been suspended for six months because the flight was unauthorised, state-run Global Times reported.