Helicopter Crash During Wildfire Guidance in Yangyang, Gangwon... 2 Passengers Presumed Dead

Fire Department "Difficult Personnel Access Due to Additional Explosion Risk... Helicopter Shattered"

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] A leased helicopter conducting a wildfire guidance flight in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, is presumed to have crashed into a hill, resulting in the deaths of two occupants.

At around 10:50 a.m. on the 27th, a medium-sized leased helicopter of the S-58T model crashed into a hill near Myeongjusa Temple in Eoseongjeon-ri, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province.

As a result of the accident, fire authorities estimate that the two occupants, pilot Mr. A (71) and mechanic Mr. B (54), have died.

The helicopter was completely destroyed and mostly burned, and firefighting efforts have nearly been completed, so the risk of the fire spreading to the forest is reported to be low.

The crashed helicopter was jointly leased and operated by Sokcho, Goseong, and Yangyang. It is reported to have crashed while conducting an aerial wildfire guidance flight to prevent wildfire-prone areas.

Fire authorities have deployed two firefighting helicopters, rescue teams, suppression teams, and emergency mobile units to carry out rescue operations, but access by personnel is difficult due to the risk of additional explosions.