On the 26th, a helicopter engaged in firefighting operations crashed in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. The pilot of the helicopter, A (73), was killed in the accident. It is reported that the pilot was the only one on board.
According to forestry authorities, around 12:51 p.m. that day, a helicopter engaged in firefighting operations crashed on a hillside in Gyeongbuk Uiseong-gun, Sinpyeong-myeon, Gyofan-ri. The crashed helicopter was a leased S76 model belonging to Inje-gun, Gangwon Province.
The pilot flying the helicopter was reportedly found dead at the crash site. Authorities stated, "There was a report from a witness that a yellow helicopter had fallen." An investigation into the exact cause of the accident is currently underway.
The Korea Forest Service has temporarily suspended the operation of firefighting helicopters that had been dispatched to firefighting sites across the country due to this accident.