Firefighting Helicopters involved in mid-air collision

Two firefighting helicopters have collided while battling a major wildfire near Psatha, west of Athens, resulting in the loss of two crew members. A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer sadly lost their lives, while a British pilot and a Greek colleague survived after safely carrying out an emergency landing. Greek authorities have launched an investigation to establish the cause of the accident.

The helicopters were supporting efforts to contain fast moving wildfires that continue to affect several parts of Greece, with extreme temperatures and strong winds making operations especially challenging. Large numbers of firefighters, supported by both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, remain deployed as crews work to protect communities and bring the fires under control.

Aerial firefighting remains one of the most demanding roles in aviation, with crews operating at low level in difficult conditions while coordinating closely with other aircraft. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the risks these professionals face in protecting lives, property and the environment.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives, and we wish the surviving crew members a full recovery.