Big Island police are investigating a paragliding crash that occurred Sunday in South Kohala, injuring a 43-year-old Kailua, Kona man.

Shortly after 12:20 p.m., South Hilo Patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department rescue team members received a report of a paraglider on Mana Road in an area known as Pu'uloa.

Rescue workers arrived on scene and located the conscious victim, who apparently suffered leg and back injuries when the paraglider he was operating crashed while descending. The victim fell from a height of approximately 100 feet.

A witness reported that the paraglider fell out of a "thermal draft" while descending and was unable to maintain his altitude.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the area and took the victim to Hilo Medical Center for initial treatment. He was later transferred to The Queen's Medical Center on O'ahu. He was listed in serious but stable condition upon his arrival at Queen's, Big Island police said.

They have classified the case as a public accident.