Two crew members died after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air in Greece. The incident occurred as the aircraft were battling wildfires 65 km west of the capital Athens. A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer were killed in the collision.
A British pilot and another Greek coordinator on the second helicopter survived the crash. Video footage showed one Bell helicopter hitting the propellers of the other, causing it to burst into flames. Both helicopters subsequently fell into a ravine. This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by those combating the widespread wildfires in the region.
This collision comes amidst a period of intense wildfires across Greece and other European nations. Prolonged heatwaves have created conditions conducive to large and destructive fires. The Greek Fire Service confirmed the two leased Bell helicopters were engaged in tackling a significant wildfire on the Attica-Boeotia border when the accident happened. The incident underscores the severe environmental challenges currently facing Southern Europe.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his profound sorrow over the accident. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, stating that the loss of the Greek coordinator and Danish pilot fills everyone with grief. This official response reflects the national impact of such a tragic event during a critical period for the country.
Following the collision, all Bell helicopters across Greece have been grounded, according to a source from the Ministry of Civil Protection. This measure is a standard protocol to ensure safety and allow for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The surviving crew members, who sustained minor injuries, are under observation in hospital as a precaution.
The grounding of Bell helicopters could impact ongoing firefighting efforts. However, Erickson Air-Crane and Chinook helicopters, along with Canadair water-bombing aircraft, are continuing to operate. This ensures that the fight against the wildfires, which have seen more than 500 firefighters deployed in areas like Porto Germeno and Megara, can continue without significant interruption.
Wildfires are often started by human activity, either intentionally or accidentally. However, climate change is increasingly creating conditions that make these fires more frequent and severe. A mild and wet winter encouraged vegetation growth, which then dried out during successive hot spells. This dry vegetation provides abundant fuel for wildfires, exacerbating the problem across the region.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aerial firefighting operations. As Greece and its European neighbours continue to battle these environmental crises, the safety of personnel remains a paramount concern. The investigation into this collision will be crucial for informing future safety protocols and operational strategies in wildfire management.