ATHENS – Web Desk: A wildfire-fighting operation in Greece turned tragic when two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air during an aerial mission, killing two crew members, according to international media reports.
The accident occurred over the forests of Psatha, west of the Greek capital Athens, where multiple helicopters were conducting continuous operations to contain the blaze. Television footage showed one helicopter striking the lower section of the other during flight, immediately catching fire and crashing to the ground.
The deceased include a pilot from Denmark and an officer from Greece’s fire service, while the crew of the other helicopter survived and was safely evacuated. The head of the Fire Service’s communications department said injured personnel were taken to hospital in critical condition but medical teams were unable to save them.
Authorities have temporarily suspended all firefighting helicopter flights as a precaution, and a formal investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident. Hundreds of firefighters continue battling flames to prevent them from reaching residential areas west of Athens.
Greek Prime Minister expressed sorrow over the incident, confirming that a Greek fire service officer and a Danish pilot were among the dead. The deaths bring the total number of fire-related fatalities in Greece this week to five, following three firefighters who died while battling blazes in Crete and the Peloponnese.
