Two killed after firefighting helicopters collide in Greece

Two people have been killed and two others injured after two firefighting helicopters collided while battling wildfires west of Athens, Greek authorities said.

The crash happened in the wider area of Psatha, in western Attica, where crews have been battling a large wildfire for a third consecutive day.

The Greek Fire Service said the aircraft involved were two Bell helicopters leased by the department, each carrying two crew members. A search and rescue operation was launched after the collision.

One of the survivors is understood to be a British pilot. The other surviving crew member was also rescued.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities have not said whether difficult weather conditions played a role.

Greek Chief Fire Officer Vasilios Vathrakoyannis expressed his “sincere condolences” to the families of the two crew members who died.

He said firefighting operations in the Attica-Boeotia region had been hampered by strong winds, which at times prevented aircraft from operating. Conditions improved shortly before midday, allowing eight aircraft and 20 helicopters to resume periodic firefighting missions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also paid tribute to the victims, saying her thoughts were with the families and friends of the Greek and Danish crew members who died.

“It takes a special courage to fly towards the flames so that others can be safe. As we continue to battle these fires side by side, Europe grieves with Greece and Denmark,” she said, while wishing the two survivors a full recovery.

Wildfires continue to burn in several parts of Greece, including Attica, Paros, Crete and Kefalonia, as firefighters work to contain multiple blazes amid challenging conditions.