Helicopter Crashes While Conducting Wildfire Patrol Flight Over Mountain in Yangyang, Gangwon
5 Dead Including Pilot... Site Blackened by Fire
Around 10:50 a.m. on the 27th, a medium-sized leased helicopter of model S-58T crashed in a mountain near Myeongjusa Temple in Eoseongjeon-ri, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, and the fire department is conducting rescue operations. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A helicopter conducting wildfire patrol flights crashed in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, resulting in five fatalities. Nearby witnesses reported hearing a loud noise from the mountain and said the fire spread rapidly, making it impossible to approach the scene at the time.
The accident occurred around 10:50 a.m. on the 27th near Myeongjusa Temple in Eoseongjeon-ri, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province, when a medium-sized leased helicopter of the S-58T model crashed on a nearby mountain. The fire that broke out from the fuselage was extinguished after about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but five people, including pilot Mr. A and mechanic Mr. B, died.
This helicopter, jointly leased and operated by Sokcho, Goseong, and Yangyang, was conducting wildfire patrol flights to prevent fires in vulnerable areas from the air when it crashed.
The site, blackened by fire, reflected the horrific situation at the time of the accident. According to Yonhap News, the helicopter was reduced to a bare frame, making it difficult to recognize its shape, and various parts of the aircraft, including the propeller, were scattered in all directions and charred black by the flames, turning into ashes.
A resident who witnessed the accident told Yonhap News, "I heard the helicopter broadcasting about the wildfire from my house, and just 2 to 3 seconds later, I heard a 'bang' sound." He added, "I went up the mountain, but the fire spread widely, so I couldn't get close." Another resident reported, "A huge column of black smoke rose," describing the situation at the time.
Firefighting efforts were delayed due to an additional explosion originating from the helicopter's battery compartment. Fire authorities have deployed about 140 personnel and 40 pieces of equipment to the accident site to manage the situation. They are also investigating the exact identities of the deceased and the circumstances of the incident.
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