ROK media blames smog from China for air crash   

(ECNS) -- Local media in the Republic of Korea (ROK) said it was the smog from China that contributed to the smoggy weather in the capital Seoul, causing a flight hazard for pilots.

The comment was made after a helicopter plunged to the ground in Gangnam district of Seoul last Saturday amid hazy weather. Two pilots on board were killed when the helicopter's propeller clipped the side of I-Park, a 38-story luxury apartment building.

One official at the National Emergency Management Agency said the haze played a part in the crash.

"It appears that the pilots lost visibility due to extremely foggy weather," the official said.

Smog from China has brought elevated levels of particulate matter and pollution to ROK cities, said an expert at Seoul National University.

Some people suggested policy makers in ROK come up with measures to control the air pollution transmitted by westerly winds from China.

Statistics released by the Korea Meteorological Administration show that people in Seoul experienced more smoggy days this year than in 2012. The city witnessed 12 smoggy days this year, five days more than in 2012.