Two firefighting helicopters collide over Greece amid wildfire crisis

Tragedy struck Greece's wildfire battle on Sunday as two firefighting helicopters collided in the air over the Psatha area in Attica, west of Athens. Both aircraft, identified as BELL helicopters leased by the fire service, were reportedly carrying two crew members each.

The Hellenic Fire Service confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopters had taken off from the military airport in Elefsina. A search and rescue operation is underway, but authorities have not yet released information regarding the condition of the crew members or the cause of the mid-air collision.

This devastating incident occurs amidst a severe wildfire season for Greece. High temperatures and strong winds have exacerbated numerous blazes across the country. Earlier in the week, two young firefighters, aged 23 and 27, lost their lives while responding to a fire on the island of Crete. They were found unconscious outside their vehicle near Rethymno.

In addition to the human toll, the fires have forced the evacuation of hundreds of tourists from the resort town of Agia Galini on Crete as flames approached hotel areas. The head of the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has warned that Greece will remain at high risk of wildfires for the coming weeks.

Wildfires have been a significant problem across Europe this summer, with Greece, France, and Spain being among the most affected nations. The collision of the two helicopters adds another layer of tragedy to the ongoing crisis.

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During the aerial firefighting operation, two BELL helicopters, leased by the fire service, with two persons in crew each, crashed in the Psatha area, Attica. The helicopters had taken off from the military airport in Elefsina. The search and rescue operation is underway.