Two Crew Killed as Firefighting Helicopters Collide Over Greece

Two crew members were killed when firefighting helicopters collided while tackling wildfires in Greece, according to Greek authorities, in one of the deadliest aviation incidents linked to the country's firefighting operations in recent years.

The incident

A Danish national and a Greek national died in the collision, while a British pilot and another Greek crew member survived, officials said. The helicopters had been deployed as part of Greece's aerial firefighting fleet, which includes aircraft and personnel contracted from several European countries.

• Two helicopters collided mid-air during firefighting operations
• One Danish and one Greek crew member killed
• A British pilot and a second Greek crew member survived

Wildfire context

Greece has faced a severe wildfire season this summer, with high temperatures and strong winds fuelling blazes across several regions. Aerial firefighting resources, including helicopters and water-bombing aircraft, have been stretched thin as crews battle multiple simultaneous fires.

An investigation into the cause of the collision has been launched by aviation safety authorities, with early reports suggesting reduced visibility from smoke may have been a contributing factor.

European Union civil protection officials said additional aerial resources would be dispatched to support Greece's firefighting effort in the coming days as the fire risk remains elevated across the eastern Mediterranean.