2 killed as firefighting helicopters collide midair in Greece
Two people were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided midair while battling wildfires in Greece, according to local media. Two others survived the collision.
The crash happened Sunday afternoon near Psatha in the western Attica region. Both Bell helicopters had been fighting wildfires burning across Attica and neighboring Boeotia since earlier in the day.
Video captured the helicopters flying close together before converging and making contact. Debris scattered through the air as one of the helicopters caught fire and fell toward the ground, while the other remained airborne.
Proto Thema identified those killed as the Danish pilot and Greek liaison aboard one of the helicopters. The British pilot and Greek coordinator aboard the second helicopter survived.
Initial assessments indicate that human error may have caused the collision, Proto Thema reported. An investigation is underway.
All other Bell helicopters operating on the same fire front were grounded until further notice under established safety protocols.
“With deep sorrow, I learned earlier today of the deaths of the pilot and coordinator of the firefighting helicopter during an aerial firefighting operation in Psatha, Attica,” Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of the two professionals who lost their lives in such a tragic way.”
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