Newsroom
Two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air on Friday while battling a fast-moving wildfire near Psatha, Greece, injuring all four people on board in a dramatic reminder that wildfires don't just threaten communities on the ground; they also put those fighting them from the air at extraordinary risk.
According to Greek emergency services, two crew members suffered minor injuries, while two others were pulled from the wreckage unconscious. The four, two Greek nationals and two foreign nationals, were rushed to the 251st General Aviation Hospital in Athens.
A mobile phone video captured the terrifying moment the two helicopters struck each other while flying through thick smoke above the wildfire. The footage shows just how little visibility the pilots had as they carried out water drops in extremely challenging conditions.
While the public often sees the flames destroying forests, homes and wildlife, aerial firefighting crews face dangers that are largely hidden from view. Flying low over rugged terrain, often in strong winds and dense smoke, they operate in one of the most hazardous environments imaginable, sometimes with several aircraft sharing the same airspace.
The collision comes as Greece continues to battle another severe wildfire season, with firefighters on the ground and in the air working around the clock to protect lives and property.
An investigation is expected to determine what caused the collision.
