Firefighting helicopter crashes amid South Korea’s deadly wildfires, killing pilot

A firefighting helicopter crashed on March 26 while battling a massive wildfire in Uiseong County, southeastern South Korea, killing the pilot, authorities confirmed.

According to the Korea Forest Service, the helicopter went down at 12:54 p.m. on a mountain in Uiseong, which is located approximately 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Caliber.Az reports via Korean media.

“The cause of the accident is under investigation,” officials stated, without providing further details.

The death toll from the devastating wildfires sweeping through South Korea’s southeastern region has climbed to 18, with one person still missing, forest service officials said on March 26. Firefighters continue to struggle to contain the rapidly spreading blazes, which have already forced tens of thousands to evacuate.

The fires first erupted on March 21 in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province, and have since spread to Uiseong. The flames are now advancing toward the neighboring areas of Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, fueled by powerful and dry winds.

Authorities provided a breakdown of the casualties: two people were found dead in Andong, three in Cheongsong, six in Yeongyang, and seven in Yeongdeok. Additionally, one person remains missing in Cheongsong.

At least 10 others have sustained injuries, with two in critical condition, officials confirmed.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo addressed the crisis, describing the wildfires as "the worst in the history" of the country.

"So far, 18 people have lost their lives, 13 have been injured, and more than 20,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes," Han stated.

A large-scale emergency response effort is underway, with 128 helicopters deployed alongside more than 1,100 military personnel, approximately 3,100 firefighters, and around 4,600 civil servants. Despite these efforts, the fires continue to spread rapidly. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that the blazes were caused by careless handling of fire and are investigating the exact cause.

By Tamilla Hasanova