Two crew members have died after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a wildfire in the Psatha area west of Athens.
According to Greek authorities, both Bell helicopters, leased by the country’s fire service, had departed from Elefsina Military Airport with two crew members on board each. All four occupants were recovered, with two confirmed dead and two rescued alive.
Reports say the victims were a Greek and a Danish national, while the survivors are a Greek and a British national. Authorities have not confirmed which helicopter the victims were aboard.
Television footage showed one helicopter crashing in flames following what appeared to be a rotor strike. The aircraft were responding to a major wildfire that has already destroyed more than 100 homes northwest of Athens. An investigation into the collision is underway.