2 crew members killed in helicopter crash while fighting fires in Greece

A tragic mid-air collision between two firefighting helicopters has resulted in the deaths of two crew members near Psatha, Greece. The incident occurred while the aircraft were engaged in combating a major wildfire in western Attica, a region that includes Athens.

The collision involved two Bell helicopters. Video footage shows the rotor of one helicopter striking the landing gear of the other. One aircraft immediately caught fire and crashed, while the second managed to fly away. The deceased were identified as a Greek coordinator and a Danish pilot.

Rescue operations were immediately launched, involving ground firefighters. While the two occupants of the first helicopter survived, the other two did not survive the impact. The accident underscores the perilous conditions faced by firefighters battling the blazes.

Authorities have grounded all other Bell helicopters of the same type as a precautionary measure. The Greek fire service cited strong winds over the past five days as making firefighting efforts "extremely difficult," limiting the use of water-bombing planes. Despite improved conditions shortly before the incident, eight water-bombing planes and 20 helicopters were deployed.

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed their condolences, with Tasoulas stating the incident highlights the dangerous challenges faced by firefighters protecting lives and natural resources. Over 100,000 hectares have already burned in Greece this summer.

“

The tragic incident highlights the dangerous challenges faced by firefighters, and everyone who fulfills their duty by protecting the lives, cities, communities, and natural resources of our country.