In brief
During a firefighting mission near Athens, two helicopters collided, causing flames and sending both aircraft into a ravine. Four crew members were involved; two were unconscious and two suffered minor injuries. The crash took place amid a week‑long series of wildfires that have prompted mass evacuations. Climate‑driven heatwaves have amplified the risk, turning Greece into a hotspot for European firestorms.
Two firefighting helicopters collided in the skies over Greece, causing one aircraft to burst into flames and both to fall into a ravine.
Four crew members were aboard; two were found unconscious and two sustained minor injuries, according to local reports. The incident occurred approximately 65 km west of Athens during a high‑wind firefighting operation in the Psatha area.
Greece has seen a surge of wildfires this week, forcing thousands to leave homes and challenging firefighters with intense gusts of wind that hamper containment efforts. Similar conditions have sparked devastating fires across Europe, including Spain and France, in recent days.
The collision is a stark reminder that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, turning vegetation growth from a winter benefit into tinder for summer blaze.
