Fires in South Korea kill 24 people and destroy 1,300-year-old temple – video
Photo: ERA/YONHAP
At least 24 individuals, including four emergency responders, have perished in extensive wildfires that have ravaged the South Korean province of Icheon, located 200 kilometers from Seoul, as reported by CNN.
The blaze, intensified by strong winds and arid conditions, has already obliterated numerous structures, including the 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple of Gounsa. The only remnant left intact was its ceremonial bell, while some historical artifacts were successfully preserved and evacuated.
A helicopter was involved in a crash during firefighting efforts in the area. The pilot was pronounced dead at the site.
🚨🗞️🚨Destructive wildfires are raging in South Korea, consuming 15,000 hectares and resulting in the loss of 15 valuable lives. Brave individuals are fighting the flames as authorities deploy all available resources. Spread the message that #SouthKorea needs our assistance! #산불 #PrayForSouthKorea pic.twitter.com/JdRFYDep7B
— NewsDaily🪖🚨🪖 (@XNews24_7) March 26, 2025
The inferno has scorched over 17,000 hectares of woodland, inflicting considerable damage to the region. South Korean Prime Minister Han Deok-soo described the fires as the most extensive in recent times and urged for the mobilization of all possible resources to tackle the disaster.
“We must concentrate all our efforts on extinguishing the wildfires by the end of this week, as we are alarmed by the unprecedented scale of devastation,” he expressed.
- On January 21, a blaze erupted at a ski resort in Turkey, resulting in the deaths of 66 people.
- On March 16, reports indicated a fire broke out during a concert in North Macedonia, potentially claiming 50 lives. By March 17, 20 individuals had been apprehended.
- On March 21, the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow, was shut down due to a fire at a substation. It was noted that this incident would impact over 1,300 flights and around 150,000 passengers.
