Two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a major wildfire in Greece, killing two pilots, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred on Sunday near Athens, where authorities were struggling to contain fast-moving blazes that have already destroyed over 100 homes northwest of the capital. The collision took place during an aerial firefighting mission, as crews worked to suppress the fire and assist with evacuations on the tourist island of Kefalonia.
Emergency services confirmed that the crash happened in the region of Agios Konstantinos, where the fire has been raging for several days. The bodies of the two pilots were recovered from the wreckage, marking a tragic loss for the firefighting community. The collision has raised concerns about the safety of aerial firefighting operations, especially under extreme conditions. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the crash, but the incident highlights the dangers faced by crews battling the wildfires.
The wildfires, fueled by record-breaking heat and drought, have forced new evacuations and displaced residents. Firefighters are working alongside water-dropping aircraft and helicopters to contain the blazes, which have spread rapidly across the region. The disaster has also drawn attention to the broader impact of climate change on wildfire frequency and intensity in Greece.
