Two Dead Following Mid-Air Helicopter Collision During Greek Wildfire Operations

Two crew members have died after their helicopters collided while engaged in firefighting operations near the border of Attica and Boeotia, Greece. The incident, which occurred approximately 65 kilometers west of Athens, involved two leased Bell helicopters.

Authorities confirmed that one of the aircraft caught fire and crashed into a ravine following the mid-air impact. The second helicopter managed to perform an emergency landing in an area of low vegetation. The two individuals aboard the second aircraft—a British pilot hired privately for the season and a Greek fire service liaison officer—survived the crash with minor injuries. They were transported to a hospital for precautionary observation.

The two victims, identified as a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service coordinator, were recovered unconscious and later pronounced dead. In response to the tragedy, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences, stating that the loss of the crew members brought great grief to the nation. Following standard safety protocols, all Bell helicopters operating in Greece have been grounded.

The collision occurred amidst an intense wildfire season that has seen over 500 firefighters battling blazes across multiple regions, including Porto Germeno, Psatha, and Megara. While firefighting efforts continue with other aircraft, including Chinook and Erickson Air-Crane helicopters, the incident highlights the dangerous conditions faced by emergency responders during the current heatwave.

Source: BBC News