Two helicopters that went to extinguish wildfires in Greece collided, causing an accident.

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, two people lost their lives when two helicopters engaged in firefighting operations collided in mid-air in the areas of Porto Germeno and Psatha, west of Athens, Greece. A Danish pilot and a Greek Fire Service coordination officer died in the accident, which occurred near the border of Attica and Boeotia, while a British pilot and another Greek officer on board the aircraft sustained minor injuries and survived.

The two 'Bell 214' model helicopters, leased by the Greek Fire Service from Australia's 'McDermott Aviation' company, were involved in the accident. This company, which has been supporting wildfire suppression operations in Greece for seven years, had deployed a fleet of 15 aircraft for this wildfire season, and the two crashed aircraft had taken off from Elefsina military airport. Video footage circulated on social media and local news channels showed the rotor of one helicopter, approaching from above and behind, striking the underside of the other aircraft, causing the lower helicopter to catch fire, disintegrate, and crash into a forested area.

The two crew members who sustained minor injuries immediately reported the incident via radio messages and arranged for relief teams to be dispatched to the site. Emergency relief service officers promptly responded, located the victims, and took steps to admit them to the 251 Air Force General Hospital in Athens. As a standard safety measure after the accident, authorities temporarily suspended all 'Bell' model helicopter flights, and firefighting operations continued with other helicopters and aircraft until nightfall.

Commenting on this tragic incident, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that he expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of two prominent firefighters who risked their lives in extremely harsh weather conditions. Although the cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed, no mechanical malfunction has been reported, and it is believed that strong winds, smoke, low visibility, and risky operations conducted at low altitudes may have contributed to it.

Greece is currently facing a severe wildfire crisis amidst the intense summer heatwave across Europe. Strong 'Meltemi' winds, blowing at speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour, have caused the fire to spread rapidly, destroying over 100 homes, and even activating unexploded ordnance as the fire spread to a military firing range. Nearly 500 firefighters and international support teams from countries like France and Romania are also involved in these operations.

Wildfires have erupted in several areas, including the island of Kefalonia, and police have arrested suspects in connection with deliberate arson in some locations. With three previous deaths in the Crete and Peloponnese regions, this helicopter accident increased the number of firefighter fatalities to five within a week. This incident has once again confirmed the extreme danger of aerial firefighting operations conducted amidst highly hazardous obstacles, and a comprehensive investigation into the incident is underway.