A firefighting helicopter participating in a wildfire suppression operation went down in Lake Aoos.

Specifically, during the aerial firefighting operation near the location known as “Avgo” in the Grevena regional unit, a Bell-type helicopter contracted by the Fire Service, with a two-person crew consisting of one Greek national and one foreign national, crashed into the Aoos artificial reservoir, in the Grevena-Ioannina area.

Following the drop, the helicopter exploded.

According to available information, both crew members were rescued, after the intervention of the Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK).

The survivors have both been transfered to the hospiral for preliminary medical examinations.

Official Fire Service Statement

In its official statement, the Fire Service announced: “During an aerial firefighting operation at the location known as ‘Avgo’ in Grevena, one (1) Bell-type helicopter contracted by the Fire Service, crewed by two (2) individuals — one (1) Greek national and one (1) foreign national serving as liaison officer — crashed into the Aoos artificial reservoir in the Grevena-Ioannina area.

The helicopter had taken off from Ioannina Airport. Both (2) crew members were rescued.”