A pilot from the UK survived a terrifying crash in Greece when two helicopters collided while fighting wildfires. The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of two crew members, captured on video as the helicopters collided mid-air. Among the casualties were a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service officer. The British pilot and a Greek crew member on the other helicopter managed to survive the crash, with footage showing the helicopters crossing paths at low altitude over the wildfires in Psatha, west of Athens.
The incident involved two Bell helicopters leased from McDermott Aviation, colliding while combating a large wildfire on the Attica-Boeotia border. The Greek Fire Service reported that one helicopter clipped the rotary blades of the other, leading to an explosion and a subsequent emergency landing of the second aircraft.
According to a Greek civil protection ministry source, the British pilot and the Greek fire service officer sustained minor injuries, were conscious, and were taken to the hospital for observation. The Greek fire department confirmed that the helicopters were part of an aerial firefighting operation and were not involved in an exchange between Greece and the UK but were privately hired.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed deep sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the frontline fighters in challenging weather conditions. The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot during the firefighting operation at Porto Germeno was mourned, with condolences extended to their families.
In related news, wildfires continued to pose threats in various regions of Greece, with evacuations taking place due to advancing flames. Other areas, including Kefalonia and Halkidiki, faced fire outbreaks, while Spain and France also battled wildfires, leading to mass evacuations from affected areas.
