Two Killed in Helicopter Collision Amid Greek Wildfires

Aug 2, 2026

63 min

Aug 2, 2026 19:31

Two killed as firefighting helicopters collide battling Greece wildfires

## Helicopter Collision Claims Lives

Two pilots lost their lives when their firefighting helicopters collided while battling a wildfire near Psatha, west of Athens. The helicopters, leased from Australia's McDermott Aviation, were part of efforts to control the blaze that has devastated the region.

## Ongoing Firefighting Efforts

The accident occurred as hundreds of firefighters worked to prevent the fire from reaching Athens. The fire department has grounded all Bell helicopters in the area pending an investigation.

## Rising Death Toll

This incident raises the death toll from the recent Greek wildfires to five, following the deaths of three firefighters in Crete and the Peloponnese. The fires have been exacerbated by strong winds, which have made aerial firefighting operations hazardous.

## Widespread Damage

The fires have burned over 6,500 hectares in the Gulf of Corinth area, with Porto Germeno particularly affected. Many homes have been damaged or destroyed, and residents have been evacuated. The situation has been described as "extremely difficult" due to adverse weather conditions.

## Arrests and Investigations

Authorities have arrested a man suspected of deliberately starting a fire on Cephalonia, and two others linked to a fire near Porto Germeno. The fires have been fueled by strong winds, which have partially weakened but continue to pose challenges.

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