Helicopter Collision in Greece Claims Two Lives Amid Wildfires

On Sunday, two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a significant wildfire in Greece, leading to the deaths of two crew members, one Greek and one Danish national. The crew of the second helicopter, which included a Greek and a British national, survived the incident.

The Greek fire service reported that the collision occurred during efforts to control a wildfire that has destroyed over 100 homes northwest of Athens and forced evacuations in western Attica, particularly in the coastal town of Megara. Investigators suspect that the wildfire, which spread from Boeotia to Attica, may have been ignited by electricity transmission lines associated with wind turbines.

In connection with the incident, two Greek nationals have been arrested on suspicion of negligence, while another suspect remains at large. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the severity of the disaster, and local residents, including Tasos Tzempelikos, 61, participated in firefighting efforts.