Two firefighting helicopters collide near Athens as massive wildfire rages

Two firefighting helicopters have collided near Athens during operations to combat a massive wildfire sweeping through the Attica region. The collision occurred as crews battled intense flames in challenging wind conditions that have hampered containment efforts. Two crew members from one helicopter were killed in the incident, whilst two others from the second aircraft were rescued alive.
The crash happened amid a dramatic evacuation effort as hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes. Some residents were evacuated by sea, whilst others escaped by road as the rapidly advancing fire threatened communities across the region. The wildfire has proven exceptionally difficult to control, with strong winds continuing to spread the blaze across a wide area.
The incident marks a tragic moment in Greece’s ongoing battle against wildfires, which have become increasingly severe during the country’s hot, dry summers. Authorities have deployed multiple aircraft and ground crews in the fight against the flames, though the challenging conditions have made the operation extraordinarily hazardous for emergency personnel.
The collision raises fresh questions about the risks firefighting crews face when tackling major incidents, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are expected to follow.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.