Helicopter Fighting Wildfire Crashes into Daecheong Lake... 1 Rescued, 1 in Cardiac Arrest

On the afternoon of the 21st, a helicopter involved in firefighting operations crashed near Munui Bridge at Daecheongho Lake in Cheongju. The photo shows a 119 rescue team member performing a rescue. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] At around 2:57 PM on the 21st, a helicopter carrying water to extinguish a wildfire crashed near Munui Bridge in Munui-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, at Daecheong Lake.

The helicopter was carrying pilot A (64) and mechanic B (53). A was reported to be in stable condition, but B was found in cardiac arrest and was transported to the hospital while receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from rescue workers.

The helicopter was confirmed to be a privately leased helicopter (S76C Plus) rented by Chungbuk Province for wildfire suppression.

The accident occurred while the helicopter was collecting water from Daecheong Lake to extinguish a wildfire that broke out in the Sidong-ri area of Hyeondo-myeon, Seowon-gu, earlier that day.

The police and fire authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.