Two firefighting helicopters collide in Greece, two crew killed

Two helicopters fighting a large wildfire on the Attica-Boeotia border collided mid-air west of Athens, killing two crew members and leaving two others injured, Greek authorities said. The aircraft, both Bell helicopters leased for firefighting, struck while engaged in suppression operations and fell into a ravine.

The deceased were identified as a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer, while a British pilot and a second Greek coordinator survived after being rescued from the other helicopter, the Greek Fire Service reported. Officials said crews from one aircraft were recovered alive; the crew from the second were found unconscious and later pronounced dead.

Video of the crash about 65 km west of the capital shows one helicopter’s rotor striking the other’s propellers, causing one machine to burst into flames before both crashed. Following the incident, the Ministry of Civil Protection ordered all Bell helicopters grounded across the country, a ministry source told the BBC.

Other aircraft including Erickson Air-Crane, Chinook helicopters and Canadair water-bombers continued firefighting missions in the area. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his deepest sorrow and offered condolences to the families of the victims, according to his post on X.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The collision occurred during coordinated firefighting operations against a wildfire on the Attica-Boeotia border. Official accounts note that one helicopter’s crew survived while the other crew were recovered unconscious and later declared dead. As a precautionary measure, all Bell helicopters in Greece were temporarily grounded and alternative aerial assets remained active in containment efforts.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Two Bell helicopters battling a wildfire collided mid-air about 65 km west of Athens, Greece.
• A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer were killed; two crew members survived.
• All Bell helicopters in Greece were grounded after the accident while other aerial firefighting assets continued operations.