Drone Pilot Severely Injured by Electrocution in South Korea

A 30-year-old man suffered severe injuries after being electrocuted while attempting to retrieve his agricultural drone, which had become entangled in power lines in Yeonggwang County, South Korea.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 24, 2026, in a rice paddy in Daema-myeon. The man, a drone pilot, was operating his agricultural drone when it became snagged on overhead electrical wires. In an effort to recover his equipment, he reportedly came into contact with the live wires.

Emergency services received a report of the electrocution around 7:17 p.m. First responders found the man had temporarily lost consciousness and sustained burns to his hands. He was transported to a university hospital in Gwangju for treatment. Authorities confirmed that while his injuries are serious, his life is not currently in danger.

An investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the accident is underway. Officials are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the drone becoming entangled and the subsequent electrocution.