Two Killed After Firefighting Helicopters Collide Battling Wildfire in Greece

ATHENS, Aug 2: Two people were killed and two others rescued after two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a major wildfire near Psatha, west of Athens, on Sunday, Greek authorities said.

The helicopters, both leased Bell aircraft, were taking part in efforts to contain a large wildfire burning along the Attica-Boeotia border when the mid-air collision occurred.

A British pilot and a Greek Fire Service liaison officer survived the crash and were rescued before being transported to the 251 Air Force General Hospital in Athens for treatment.

The victims were identified as a Danish pilot and a Greek Fire Service liaison officer. Both were recovered unconscious from the crash site and were later pronounced dead.

According to the Greek Fire Service, four people were on board the two helicopters—two Greek nationals and two foreign nationals. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched following the collision, with search-and-recovery operations confirming two survivors and two fatalities.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash as firefighting operations continue in the wildfire-hit region.