A pilot from the UK survived a terrifying crash in Greece when two helicopters collided while fighting wildfires. The collision resulted in the deaths of two crew members, captured in harrowing footage as the helicopters collided mid-air. The incident occurred on Sunday near Psatha, west of Athens.
The crash involved two Bell helicopters leased from McDermott Aviation, with one helicopter’s rotary blades being clipped by the other before it exploded and crashed into a ravine. The second helicopter managed to make an emergency landing.
The British pilot and a Greek crew member on the surviving helicopter sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for observation. The Greek Fire Service reported that both helicopters were involved in firefighting operations near the Attica-Boeotia border.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and the loss of the two frontline fighters. The British pilot was privately hired and not part of a Greece-UK exchange program.
Following the crash, strong winds fueled wildfires in the Athens region, leading to further evacuations. Wildfires also threatened homes in other parts of Greece, including Kefalonia and Halkidiki, where firefighters were actively combating the blazes. Additionally, wildfires have affected Spain and France, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
The devastating impact of wildfires continues to pose challenges in various regions, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing firefighting efforts and support.
