A mid-air collision between two Bell helicopters occurred during wildfire suppression operations in Greece on Sunday, resulting in two fatalities. The incident took place approximately 65 kilometers west of Athens in the Attica-Boeotia border region. Video footage captured one helicopter striking the propellers of the other, causing it to burst into flames and crash into a ravine.
The deceased crew members were identified as a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer. On the second helicopter, a British private pilot and a Greek fire service coordinator sustained minor injuries and were able to alert rescue personnel to the crash site. Both survivors remained conscious and were hospitalized for observation as a precautionary measure.
Following the collision, authorities grounded all Bell helicopters operating throughout Greece as a safety protocol. The Greek Prime Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the accident as a source of profound grief. Other firefighting resources, including Erickson Air-Crane and Chinook helicopters along with Canadair water-bombing aircraft, continued suppression efforts.
The collision occurred amid an active wildfire crisis affecting Greece and other parts of Europe. Large fires in France and Spain earlier in the week near Madrid and Bordeaux have been contained, with approximately 300,000 evacuated residents beginning to return home. In Greece, more than 500 firefighters engaged in intense operations across multiple regions including Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara and Kefalonia over a 72-hour period.
Experts attribute the increased wildfire activity to climate conditions favorable for fire spread. A mild and wet winter promoted dense vegetation growth, which subsequently dried during successive heat waves, creating substantial fuel for wildfires across the region.
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