A fire-fighting helicopter crashed on Wednesday while fighting a huge wildfire in Uiseong County in South Korea, killing the pilot, officials confirmed. The helicopter crashed on a mountain at 12:54 p.m., about 180 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the Korea Forest Service said. Officials have opened an investigation into the accident, Yonhap news agency reported.
Death Toll Reaches 16 as Fires Advance
The raging wildfires in the southeastern part of the country have killed 16 people, and at least 10 more were reported injured. Firefighters are having a tough time putting out the fast-spreading fires, which began last Friday in Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang Province. The fires have been fueled by strong, dry winds, which are driving them toward Uiseong and surrounding areas, including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok.
🇰🇷 South Korea: A large wildfire raging for four days in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, has swept through several areas, leaving at least 24 dead. pic.twitter.com/3YQ9nUZMYE
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) March 26, 2025
The positions of the victims were reported by the authorities: two in Andong, three in Cheongsong, five in Yeongyang, and six in Yeongdeok. Two of the victims who were injured received serious burns. Four victims were discovered burned to death on a road in Yeongyang at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Historic Temple Ruined as Fire-Fighting Efforts Continue
The fiery blaze has also destroyed historical landmarks, such as Goun Temple in Uiseong, which was constructed in 681 during the Silla Dynasty. Luckily, national treasures stored inside the temple were moved earlier before the fire was able to reach it.
Thousands of firefighters and dozens of helicopters and fire vehicles have been dispatched to battle the blazes. The South Korea military has dispatched approximately 5,000 troops and 146 helicopters to support firefighting efforts since last Friday.
Prison Inmates Relocated Amid Fire Threat
As a precautionary action, the justice ministry relocated about 500 inmates from a North Gyeongsang Province prison to another one overnight. The authorities at first thought of evacuating a maximum of 3,500 inmates from multiple prisons but reduced the number after many fires had been put out.
The tragedy has witnessed an emergency reaction from officials since attempts are ongoing to bring the blazes under control and safeguard communities.
