Two helicopters destined for fighting forest fires collided this Sunday while participating in an operation in the Psatha area, west of Athens, in Greece.
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The Fire Department reported that the aircraft collided during firefighting efforts and that, after the accident, a search and rescue operation was deployed to locate their crews.
According to background information published by local media, the two helicopters were flying at low altitude when they came into contact and fell into a ravine area. A witness claimed to have heard a loud noise before the aircraft disappeared behind a mountain.
Footage broadcast by Greek television shows the moment of the collision. The exact circumstances of the accident have not yet been established.
The media outlet Kathimerini reported that the two pilots of one of the helicopters were found alive. Both were taken to a hospital facility to assess their health condition.
Other local reports indicated that one of those people had injuries, although they were conscious and had managed to communicate with the coordination center.
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The search later focused on the occupants of the second helicopter. According to preliminary information, each aircraft was carrying two people.
The local media Ta Nea reported that the emergency teams received two people with minor injuries and two others unconscious. To attend the accident, six ambulances, one mobile unit, 12 rescuers, and two doctors were deployed.
The Greek channel MEGA reported the death of one of the occupants of the second helicopter. However, the Fire Department had not officially confirmed that death nor provided a definitive victim count.
The helicopters, identified by local media as Bell aircraft leased by the Fire Department, were participating in fighting a forest fire under conditions described as adverse.
The authorities maintain the operation in the area while gathering information to establish the dynamics of the collision.
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