South Korea: 18 dead in fires, helicopter crashes during rescue operation

Seoul (South Korea), 26 Mar (LaPresse/AP) – The death toll has risen to 18 in the fires ravaging southern areas of South Korea. More than 200 structures have been destroyed. South Korean officials say a helicopter crashed during efforts to contain the fires in the southeastern city of Uiseong. The Korean Forest Service said that rescue operations are ongoing and that the aircraft was allegedly flown by a single pilot with no crew members.