Two firefighting helicopters were involved in a mid-air collision on Sunday while responding to a large wildfire northwest of Athens, Greece, as authorities also ordered evacuations on the tourist island of Kefalonia following the outbreak of another fire.
The accident occurred during aerial firefighting efforts over the fast-spreading wildfire, which has already destroyed more than 100 homes in communities outside the Greek capital.
Footage shared by Forecast Weather Greece on Facebook appeared to show the helicopters flying at low altitude before the rotor blades of the lower aircraft struck the underside of the one above it. The lower helicopter crashed in flames, while the second aircraft released its water load and managed to continue flying.
Greek media described the ongoing firefighting efforts as an intense operation stretching across several locations, including Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara and Kefalonia. More than 500 firefighters have been deployed over the past three days to contain the blazes.
In a statement, the Greek Fire Department confirmed that the collision happened during a forest firefighting mission in the Psatha area.
Local reports said the helicopter crews included two Greek nationals and two Romanians, who were taken to the 251st Air Force General Hospital for medical attention.
Government officials stated that the occupants of one helicopter were found safe and evacuated by ambulance. They added that the second aircraft had also been located, while search-and-rescue teams worked to reach its crew.