In brief
During the battle against torrid wildfires on the Attica‑Boeotia border, two Bell helicopters leased from McDermott Aviation collided 65 kilometres west of Athens. The crash ignited flames, killing a Danish pilot and a Greek fire‑service liaison, while a British pilot and a Greek coordinator who were aboard the second aircraft survived with minor injuries after an emergency landing. The Greek authorities have grounded all Bell helicopters nationwide pending investigation. The tragedy underscores the escalating threat of wildfires in Europe amid a heatwave that has scorched large areas of Greece and other countries.
During intensive firefighting operations on the Attica‑Boeotia border, two Bell helicopters leased from McDermott Aviation collided 65 kilometres west of Athens. The impact disrupted the rotors, causing the aircraft to catch fire and crash into a ravine.
The accident killed a Danish pilot and a Greek fire‑service liaison. A British pilot and a Greek coordinator aboard the second helicopter escaped with minor injuries after an emergency landing in low vegetation.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his deepest sorrow over the loss, sending condolences to the families of the deceased.
Following the incident, all Bell helicopters operating in Greece were grounded as authorities investigate the cause of the collision. While the survivors are under observation, the broader firefighting effort continues with Erickson Air‑Crane, Chinook, and Canadair water‑bombing aircraft still deployed.
The tragedy highlights the worsening impact of heatwaves and dry conditions in Europe, which are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Across the continent, Spain, France, and Italy are battling similarly severe fires, and many European nations are now on the highest heat alert.
