A British pilot survived a mid-air collision between two firefighting helicopters battling wildfires in western Greece, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred near Psatha, approximately 65 kilometers west of Athens, during an aerial firefighting operation on Sunday. Two crew members lost their lives in the crash, one a Greek fire service liaison officer and the other a Danish pilot, while a British pilot and a Greek crew member from the other helicopter survived with minor injuries. The collision took place amid severe wildfires that have gripped several regions of Greece, including western Attica, Kefalonia, and Halkidiki. Video footage captured the moment one helicopter struck the rotors of the other, causing it to burst into flames before plunging into a ravine. The second helicopter managed to make an emergency landing. According to the Greek Fire Service, both helicopters were Bell models leased from an Australian company, McDermott Aviation, and had taken off from the Elefsina military airport. The crash added to a growing toll from the wildfires, which have already claimed three lives this month alone. Earlier in the week, two firefighters died on Crete, and a third perished in the Peloponnese. Authorities confirmed that the British pilot was not part of a bilateral exchange program between Greece and the United Kingdom but was employed privately. The surviving pilot and a Greek crew member were hospitalized for observation, with no serious complications reported. The incident unfolded as wildfires continued to spread rapidly due to high winds, which hindered firefighting operations. In western Attica, flames threatened communities and an industrial zone near Megara, while in Kefalonia, evacuations were ordered as fires approached residential areas. Over 500 firefighters have been deployed across multiple regions, working alongside 23 aircraft to contain the blazes. However, the wind conditions have made it difficult for aircraft to collect water from the sea, complicating efforts to suppress the fires. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences for the deaths of the two crew members, calling them "frontline fighters in the war against the fires." He acknowledged the challenging weather conditions, which included extreme heat and strong gusts, as contributing factors to the severity of the situation. The prime minister emphasized the need for continued support for those affected by the wildfires, including the families of the deceased. The wildfires have also drawn attention to broader environmental concerns, with experts linking the increased frequency and intensity of such disasters to climate change. Last winter’s mild and wet conditions led to abundant vegetation growth, which has since dried out due to prolonged periods of heat, creating ideal conditions for fires to spread quickly. This pattern has been observed across Europe, where countries like Spain and France have also faced significant wildfires in recent weeks. In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have implemented evacuation orders in several areas, including Kandili, Agia Skepi, and Toutouli, as smoke enveloped mountainous regions. A military firing range was among the locations affected, with reports indicating that the fire triggered the activation of unexploded ordnance. The situation has raised fears of potential secondary hazards, adding to the complexity of the firefighting efforts. As the search and rescue operation continues, officials remain focused on containing the blazes and ensuring the safety of residents in affected areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working to combat wildfires, especially under increasingly volatile weather conditions. With no immediate signs of relief in sight, the focus remains on preventing further casualties and minimizing damage to property and ecosystems.
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