Two Greek firefighting helicopters collided during an operation against a wind-driven wildfire near Athens, resulting in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two crew members. The deceased individuals were identified as one Greek and one Danish national, while the survivors included one Greek and one British national.
The incident highlighted the risks faced by emergency responders on the front lines of Europe’s wildfire crisis. As strong winds fueled flames near the Greek capital, additional evacuations were ordered, while France battled a massive fire area and Spanish fires were contained.
The helicopters involved in the collision were Bell aircraft operating in the Psatha area west of Athens, each crewed by two individuals. Foreign firefighting teams and helicopters are frequently called upon to assist in combating wildfires in Greece during the hot and dry summer months.
In western Attica, the fire rapidly spread, endangering local communities and an industrial zone near Megara. Despite efforts by nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft, the fire advanced due to intense winds hindering water collection operations from the sea.
Authorities evacuated several areas as the fire approached, with concerns particularly high for Porto Germeno, a coastal town on the Gulf of Corinth. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was briefed on the situation as the blaze continued to threaten populated areas.
In addition to the ongoing crisis in Greece, wildfires also posed significant threats in France and Spain, prompting mass evacuations and straining emergency resources across the region. These disasters underscored the increasing wildfire risks faced by European countries, exacerbated by climate change.
France saw its largest wildfire contained within its boundaries, though thousands remained displaced and firefighting efforts continued. Meanwhile, Spain’s major fires, which have caused casualties and extensive damage, were no longer spreading by Sunday.
The situation in Zamora province, near Portugal, was stabilized as ground and aerial units maintained vigilance to prevent the Fermoselle fire from reigniting in the challenging terrain. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized the need for a national strategy to combat wildfires amid worsening climatic conditions.