Two Die as Firefighting Helicopters Collide Amid Greece’s Devastating Wildfires

Two firefighting helicopters collided in Greece on Sunday while battling a massive wildfire that has already destroyed over 100 homes northwest of Athens. The incident occurred as emergency crews worked to control the flames, which have also prompted evacuations on the tourist island of Kefalonia.

Fatal Collision Details

The collision resulted in the deaths of two individuals aboard one helicopter, identified as a Greek national and a Danish citizen. The crew of the second helicopter, which included one Greek and one British national, survived the crash. The Greek fire service has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.

Wildfire Crisis in Europe

This summer has seen Europe grappling with severe wildfires, exacerbated by record-breaking heatwaves and minimal rainfall, conditions attributed to climate change. While some destructive fires in France and Spain showed signs of easing over the weekend, Greece has witnessed a resurgence of wildfires after a brief period of calm.

The collision occurred in the Psatha area of the Attica region, as reported by Greece’s fire service. Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the two helicopters approaching each other at low altitude before one helicopter’s rotor struck the other, leading to a fiery crash. The second helicopter managed to drop its water load before departing the scene. The authenticity of the video has not been verified.

Investigations Underway

Preliminary investigations suggest that the wildfire, which began in the Boeotia region before spreading to Attica, may have been ignited by sparks from electrical conductors on a private network that transmits wind-generated electricity to the main power grid. Reports indicate that two Greek nationals have been arrested on suspicion of negligence, while another suspect remains at large.

Emergency Response Efforts

Gale-force winds that had previously intensified the fire near Porto Germeno, located 60 kilometers northwest of Athens, have subsided. However, the flames have crossed mountains, reaching the settlement of Veniza and a military firing range, where unexploded ordnance has been ignited. Emergency crews are focusing their efforts on preventing the fire from advancing toward the coastal town of Megara, home to approximately 30,000 residents.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the challenges posed by natural disasters, stating, “There are moments when the force of nature and the intensity of weather conditions exceed all human planning and every operational capability.” Greek authorities have issued emergency alerts for evacuations in several settlements in western Attica, including an industrial estate near Megara.

In the village of Agios Konstantinos, residents are taking measures to combat the blaze. One local, Tasos Tzempelikos, expressed the community’s determination, stating, “The fire has been burning since last night; it is certain that they cannot have forces everywhere. We as residents are doing everything we can.”

Fires Spread to Kefalonia

Overnight, multiple settlements on the Ionian island of Kefalonia were evacuated due to a fire that erupted in the Pastra area. The situation remains critical as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing threats posed by wildfires across the region.

Wildfire Developments in France and Spain

In France, a wildfire in the southwestern Var region changed direction due to shifting winds, advancing into a forested area that is challenging to access. Another fire ignited alongside a highway near Carcassonne, reportedly caused by a burning vehicle. Authorities have closed the highway and evacuated a nearby animal park.

In Montfort-sur-Argens, local resident Georges Blanc returned home after fleeing the fire and worked to extinguish hot embers to prevent flare-ups. He remarked on the efforts of firefighters and aerial support, stating that “with the combined efforts of the two Canadairs and the firefighters, I think you could say all the houses were saved.”

In central Spain, wildfires that have ravaged tens of thousands of hectares are mostly under control, although firefighters are still addressing reignitions in certain areas. In the western province of Caceres, a forest fire prompted the evacuation of around 800 residents, who were allowed to return home but remain confined as the fire remains active.

Drought and Water Crisis in Hungary

Other European nations are facing severe drought conditions, with water levels in major rivers, including the Rhine and Danube, reaching historic lows. Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned of a critical situation as the drying Danube forced the closure of the country’s only nuclear power plant for the first time in over four decades. This comes amid forecasts of a new heatwave.

The declining water levels have disrupted shipping and tourism in Hungary, leading to water-use restrictions in over 100 cities and villages. In Serbia, the Danube’s levels have fallen to their lowest since 1985, significantly reducing the output of the country’s largest hydropower plant.

As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-08-02 18:43:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk