Two firefighters killed after helicopters collide battling wildfires in Greece as British pilot survives
By SCN NEWS
ATHENS — Two members of a firefighting crew were killed after two helicopters collided while battling fast-moving wildfires in Greece, authorities said, in one of the country's deadliest aerial firefighting accidents in recent years.
The collision occurred as aircraft were conducting water-dropping operations over an active wildfire, where crews have been working to contain blazes fueled by scorching temperatures, strong winds and prolonged dry conditions.
Greek emergency officials said two crew members died in the crash, while a British pilot flying one of the helicopters survived and was rescued with injuries. He was transported to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Rescue teams rushed to the crash site as firefighters on the ground continued battling the wildfire, which has forced evacuations in nearby communities and threatened homes and critical infrastructure.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what caused the mid-air collision. Aviation experts are expected to examine weather conditions, flight coordination and communication between firefighting aircraft operating in the area.
The tragedy comes as Greece faces another intense wildfire season, with extreme heat and dry vegetation increasing the risk of rapidly spreading fires across large parts of the country.
Firefighting aircraft play a crucial role in containing Greek wildfires, but low-altitude operations over rugged terrain and smoke-filled skies are considered among the most dangerous missions in aviation.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised the bravery of emergency crews risking their lives to protect communities from devastating fires.
Officials warned that wildfire danger remains extremely high, with firefighters continuing operations across multiple regions as weather conditions remain favorable for new outbreaks.
The helicopter collision has renewed concerns about the growing risks faced by emergency responders as increasingly severe wildfire seasons place greater demands on aerial firefighting operations throughout southern Europe.