Two crew killed after firefighting helicopters collide in Greece, as British pilot survives

Tragedy struck Greece as two helicopters collided mid-air while fighting wildfires, resulting in the deaths of two crew members. A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer perished in the crash, while a British pilot and another Greek co-ordinator on the second helicopter survived with minor injuries.

The incident occurred approximately 65 km west of Athens. Video footage shows one Bell helicopter striking the propellers of the other, causing it to burst into flames and crash into a ravine. The second aircraft managed an emergency landing. The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, expressed his "deepest sorrow" over the accident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

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the loss of the Greek coordinator and Danish pilot "fills us all with grief"

In response to the collision, all Bell helicopters across Greece have been grounded as a precautionary measure. The surviving British pilot, a private contractor hired for the wildfire season, and the Greek liaison officer were conscious when rescued and have been hospitalized for observation. They immediately reported the collision, aiding rescuers in locating the crash site.

Greece is currently engaged in a "titanic battle" against numerous wildfires across the country, exacerbated by prolonged heatwaves affecting other European nations. Over 500 firefighters have been working tirelessly to control blazes in regions including Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara, and Kefalonia. While many wildfires are human-caused, climate change is increasingly contributing to the conditions that allow them to spread rapidly.

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The two people on board, a British pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer - escaped with minor injuries. "Both remained conscious and have been admitted to hospital, where they will remain under observation for 24 hours as a precaution."