- Two Greek firefighting helicopters collided west of Athens, resulting in the deaths of two people on one helicopter, while a Briton survived on the second helicopter.
- Investigations into the helicopter crash are underway, focusing on human error, mechanical failure, and weather conditions as potential factors.
- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his deepest sorrow over the deaths of a Danish pilot and Greek coordinator involved in firefighting efforts.
- President Konstantinos Tasoulas stated that the crash highlights the dangerousness of the challenges faced by Fire Department Personnel.
- Authorities suspect the Attica fire started in Boeotia from sparks on a private wind-power network, leading to the arrest of two Greek nationals on suspicion of negligence.
Two people were killed in a tragic collision between firefighting helicopters west of Athens while battling wildfires that have devastated the region. A Danish pilot and a Greek coordinator lost their lives, while a Briton and another Greek survived the incident.124
The collision occurred as the helicopters were engaged in firefighting efforts, with footage showing them crossing paths at low altitude before one helicopter's rotor struck the other, leading to a fiery crash. The second helicopter managed to make an emergency landing.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his “deepest sorrow” over the deaths, stating, “The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot while they were operating in the major fire at Porto Germeno fills us all with grief.” President Konstantinos Tasoulas highlighted the “dangerousness of the challenges faced by Fire Department Personnel.”5
Initial investigations suggest that human error may have contributed to the collision, with no technical failures reported. Authorities are also investigating the cause of the wildfires, which reportedly began due to sparks from electrical conductors linked to wind turbines.36
The incident underscores the perilous conditions firefighters face, as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted, “It takes a special courage to fly towards the flames so that others can be safe.”
“Investigations into the crash are underway, with human error, mechanical failure, and weather conditions cited as factors; sources from the leasing company say initial indications suggest human error. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed “deepest sorrow” over the deaths of a Danish pilot and Greek coordinator.”
The Independent
