Two firefighting helicopters collide in mid-air near Psatha

Two firefighting helicopters crashed in the Psatha region of Greece on Tuesday, reportedly after colliding in mid-air while engaged in wildfire suppression efforts. The incident has prompted an immediate search and rescue operation for the crews.

According to initial reports from ERT, two individuals from one of the helicopters have made contact with authorities. The pilot of that helicopter is said to have communicated with the coordination center, while a second person is reported to be injured. State television also reported that the second helicopter's crew has not yet been accounted for.

Eyewitnesses described seeing the two Bell-type helicopters touch each other, followed by a loud noise before they disappeared behind a mountain. The Hellenic Fire Service confirmed that the two aircraft were participating in the firefighting operation in the Psatha area when the collision occurred.

Emergency forces were quickly mobilized to locate and rescue the helicopter crews. The ongoing search and rescue operation is focused on determining the status of all individuals involved in the crash.

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I saw the two helicopters touch each other, heard a loud noise, and then they disappeared behind the mountain.