According to The Sydney Morning Herald, citing a spokesman for the local ambulance service, the helicopter is believed to have crashed into a tree near the town of Ulladulla. The NSW Rural Fire Service has since confirmed the incident.
Police later stated that the helicopter's wreckage and the deceased pilot had been located at the corner of Plot Road and Kingiman Road, west of Ulladulla.
"This a tragic event and my deepest sympathies are with the pilot's family and friends," NSW Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said.
Confirmation the pilot has died after crashing into the fireground while bombing the Kingiman fire. Ambulance heading down Plott Road now. pic.twitter.com/WP4vLKvP33
— Emily Barton (@emilybarton1211) 17 августа 2018 г.
On Thursday, the NSW Rural Fire Service said that about 650 firefighters and over 40 aircraft were engaged in extinguishing fires in the region since a massive drought has devastated the region, prompting the authorities earlier this week to declare a state of emergency.
The mood at the command post is remarkably subdued as emergency services respond to the scene of the helicopter crash on the Kingiman fireground. Scene is where the thick smoke cloud is. pic.twitter.com/QbRCLr3X12
— Emily Barton (@emilybarton1211) 17 августа 2018 г.
