Two firefighting helicopters collide during Greece wildfire operation
Two firefighting helicopters collided midair while battling a major wildfire west of the capital Athens, killing two crew members and injuring two others.
According to the Greek Fire Service, the helicopters crashed during firefighting operations over the Psatha area, prompting a search and rescue operation.
Greek public broadcaster ERT reported that the pilot of one helicopter contacted the Fire Service Operations Center after the collision. The two people aboard that aircraft were rescued with minor injuries.
Rescuers later located the two crew members aboard the second helicopter unconscious. Health authorities said a Greek and a Danish national died from their injuries, while a Greek and a British national sustained minor injuries and remain hospitalized.
All four crew members had departed from Elefsina Air Base and were taken to the Athens Air Force Hospital following the crash.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Greece battles dozens of wildfires
The accident occurred as Greece continues to battle widespread wildfires across the country.
According to Greek authorities, 73 active forest fires are burning nationwide, with major blazes affecting the mainland, including areas around Athens and Boeotia, as well as the Rethymno region on Crete and the island of Paros.
Satellite data indicate that the fires have scorched more than 5,700 hectares of land, including the Melabes and Preveli areas.
