Helicopter Collision Over Greek Wildfires

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:03:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Two fire‑fighting helicopters collided mid‑air near Athens, crashing into a ravine and injuring crew amid Greece’s fierce wildfire season.

A brief video captured two firefighting helicopters colliding 65 km west of Athens, sending both into flames and a ravine. The crew, consisting of two Greeks and two Romanians, were treated at the 251st Air Force General Hospital after sustaining light injuries. Greek fire‑fighters have been battling multiple blazes across the country, and the incident comes as strong winds are exacerbating wildfire spread. European countries are also grappling with heat‑driven fires. Climate change continues to raise vegetation fuel, linking this incident to a broader pattern of escalating wildfires worldwide.

Helicopter collision over Greek wildfires

A brief video recorded two firefighting helicopters colliding 65 km west of Athens, crashing into a steep ravine and igniting flames. Both aircraft burst into fire as they descended toward the ground.

The incident involved a crew of four: two Greek pilots and two Romanian crew members. Two of them were found unconscious, while the others sustained light injuries and were transported to the 251st Air Force General Hospital.

Wildfires raging across Greece have forced thousands to flee homes. Strong winds are making containment difficult, and the firefighting effort has become a nationwide “titanic battle.”

European neighbours are also reeling from recent heatwaves. France and Spain fought large blazes near Madrid and Bordeaux before containment, with thousands returning home after evacuation.

Experts say most fires originate from accidental or intentional sparks, but climate‑driven dryness fuels the spread. A mild, wet winter encouraged lush vegetation that has since dried out, turning into tinder for the hot spells.