Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon noted on the 6th regarding the helicopter crash incident that occurred at the Daegu Buk-gu wildfire extinguishing site, "We must resolve the issues with aging wildfire extinguishing helicopters to prevent the sacrifice of precious lives."

Former People Power Party representative Han Dong-hoon is giving an interview after paying his respects at the tomb of the 46 sailors of the Cheonan on the morning of last month 25 at the National Daejeon Cemetery in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. /Courtesy of News1

Former leader Han wrote on Facebook that afternoon, "I sincerely pray for the soul of the deceased," stating this.

Former leader Han said, "On the 26th of last month, a pilot lost his life in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province," adding, "It breaks my heart to hear the news of those who sacrificed while struggling to contain the wildfire."

He stated, "The helicopter that crashed today in Daegu Buk-gu is 44 years old, and according to the Korea Forest Service, more than 30% of the currently operational wildfire extinguishing helicopters have been in use for over 30 years." He continued, "We must always do our best in honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the people and caring for the bereaved families," adding, "What is important moving forward is to reduce sacrifices," and emphasized that "Even now, aging helicopters are being deployed for extinguishing efforts."

Former leader Han further said, "We must resolve the issues with aging extinguishing helicopters to prevent the sacrifice of precious lives," and noted, "Taxes should be used for this purpose."

Earlier, around 3:12 p.m. that day, a helicopter engaged in wildfire extinguishing operations crashed near the scene in a hilly area of Seobyeon-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu. As a result of the incident, a helicopter pilot, identified as Namsung A (74), was killed.