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Two killed after firefighting helicopters collide in Greece

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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One Killed as Train Derails After Collision With Truck in Poland

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One passenger has been killed after an intercity train collided with a concrete mixer truck at a level crossing in Poland.

The train derailed following the crash at Sokolniki Suche, around 100km (60 miles) south of Warsaw, at about 11:20 local time (09:20 GMT).

Around 120 people were on board the train when the collision occurred. National long-distance rail operator PKP Intercity said 20 people were injured, including four who suffered serious injuries.

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Reports from the scene said the level crossing was equipped with traffic lights and barriers, while the concrete mixer struck a carriage behind the train’s engine.

The exact sequence of events remains unclear and an investigation is expected to establish how the collision happened.

The incident is the second serious crash at a Polish level crossing in just a few days.

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Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the latest accident as “very serious” and called for tougher regulations governing level crossings.

He said there was a need for the rules to be “radically toughened” to deal with drivers who repeatedly ignore barriers and red warning lights at railway crossings.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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US to Ban Imports of Canadian Alcohol, Dairy Products and Motorbikes

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The United States is set to ban imports of a range of Canadian products, including alcoholic spirits, some dairy goods and motorbikes, following the introduction of retaliatory Canadian tariffs on American goods.

In a series of executive orders issued on Tuesday, President Donald Trump accused Canada of “discriminating” against the US and announced that the new import restrictions would take effect on 29 September.

The measures are the latest development in a months-long trade dispute between the two neighbours, who have historically been close allies and major trading partners.

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Officials from both countries have said they want to reach a new trade agreement, but no further negotiations have been scheduled since talks broke down in late August.

Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the latest US measures as “unjustified” and said he would work to protect Canadian workers, families and businesses.

“Our core focus is on what we can control: building strength at home, diversifying our partnerships abroad, and building Canada strong for all Canadians,” LeBlanc said.

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He added that he had spoken with his US counterpart and remained committed to working “in good faith” to resolve the trade tensions.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier on Tuesday that reducing the country’s reliance on the US as its largest trading partner “will come at a cost”.

The US is by far Canada’s most important export market, with more than two-thirds of Canadian exports generally going south of the border.

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According to UN data compiled by Trading Economics, Canadian exports to the US in 2025 included $687m (£507m) worth of alcoholic spirits, $269m of dairy products and $90m of motorbikes.

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King Charles Rules Out Royal Duties for Harry and Meghan After UK Return

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King Charles has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working royals despite their return to the UK.

A letter sent on behalf of the King states that the couple will not be permitted to carry out official royal engagements or represent the Royal Family.

Harry and Meghan, who moved back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, will continue to be treated as private citizens. They will also not use the HRH titles of His and Her Royal Highness.

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The letter, issued by the Lord Chamberlain, one of the most senior officials in the Royal Household, has reportedly been sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants.

It makes clear that any public engagements undertaken by the Sussexes will be carried out in a private capacity and should not be treated as official royal visits.

The intervention comes ahead of expected public appearances by Harry and Meghan in the UK this autumn as they settle back into the country and continue supporting their charitable causes.

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The King’s message also reinforces the arrangements agreed in 2020, when the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties under the so-called Sandringham Agreement.

The agreement ruled out a “half-in, half-out” arrangement that would have allowed Harry and Meghan to retain working royal status while pursuing independent commercial interests.

The letter states that the couple “stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign” in January 2020 and “are no longer working members of the Royal Family”.

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It adds that their charitable activities are “a personal matter for them both” and are undertaken in their private capacity.

The King’s message also says organisations seeking guidance on how Harry and Meghan should be received, particularly where public funds could be involved, should contact Buckingham Palace.

The issue of security remains separate. The letter states that operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities.

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Harry has previously complained about the level of police protection available to him and his family in the UK. Decisions over security for royals and other prominent figures are handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.

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