Two Bell firefighting helicopters collided while battling a wildfire in the Psatha area near Megara on Sunday, August 2, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for their crews.
Emergency response teams were rapidly deployed to the scene after the aircraft, both participating in the aerial firefighting effort, crashed during the operation. A total of four men were on board the two helicopters involved in the mid-air collision during a firefighting operation—two Greek nationals and two foreign nationals.
According to Greek state broadcaster ERT, two crew members from one of the helicopters have made contact with the authorities. The pilot of one aircraft reportedly established communication with the coordination center, while the second crew member was injured.
According to the latest information from the Fire Service, the two crew members from one of the helicopters have been located alive. The co-pilot is reported to have sustained injuries, and ambulances have transported both men for medical treatment.
As for the second helicopter, authorities have located the aircraft, while according to sources close to the operation, Greece’s National Emergency Aid Center (EKAB) has recovered the two crew members unconscious.
Both helicopters had taken off from the military airbase at Elefsina before the collision.
Authorities are continuing the operation as they assess the circumstances surrounding the collision.
