A helicopter assisting in efforts to control South Korea’s deadly wildfires crashed on Wednesday, killing the pilot, according to the fire department.
The aircraft went down in a mountainous area of Uiseong County while combating the flames.
“We received reports of a helicopter crash while it was putting out the wildfire.
“The pilot was the only person on board and was confirmed dead at the scene,” an official from the Gyeongbuk Fire Service stated.
The crash comes amid one of the most severe wildfire outbreaks in South Korea’s history, which has already claimed at least 18 lives.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the destruction as “unprecedented,” as fires continue to rage across multiple regions.
Officials are struggling to contain the blazes, which have already scorched vast areas of land and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Strong winds and dry conditions have made firefighting efforts difficult, limiting aerial operations.
Authorities have raised the crisis alert to its highest level as emergency teams work around the clock to prevent further devastation.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash are ongoing as the country battles to bring the fires under control.