Helicopter Collision Leaves Two Dead During Greek Wildfire Response

Mon Sep 07 2026 20:10:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A collision between two firefighting helicopters over Athens claimed two lives and left a crew member rescued with injuries amid Greece’s escalating wildfire crisis.

A mid‑air crash between two Bell helicopters over Athens caused the deaths of a Danish pilot and a Greek fire‑service liaison officer while a British pilot and a Greek coordinator survived with minor injuries. The incident occurred during firefighting operations for a large wildfire on the Attica‑Boeotia border. Greek authorities immediately grounded all Bell helicopters and are investigating the cause. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed deep sorrow and sent condolences to the families. The accident follows a series of severe wildfires across Greece and other European countries, underscoring the escalating threat of climate‑driven fire emergencies.

Helicopter Collision Leaves Two Dead During Greek Wildfire Response

A mid‑air collision between two Bell helicopters over Athens on Sunday caused a devastating loss for the Greek firefighting efforts. A Danish pilot and a Greek fire‑service liaison officer were killed, while a British pilot and a Greek coordinator survived with minor injuries.

A map of southern Greece showing wildfire activity — Map of southern Greece showing wildfire activity recorded by NASA FIRMS up to 2 August 2026.

The incident occurred approximately 65 kilometres (42 miles) west of the capital, as crews were battling a large wildfire along the Attica‑Boeotia border. Video footage shows one helicopter striking the rotor blade of the other, setting the aircraft ablaze and causing it to crash in a ravine.

Following the accident, authorities grounded all Bell helicopters across the country. The surviving crew members are being treated in hospital under observation, while investigators are examining the circumstances of the collision.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy and sent condolences to the families. He noted the loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot “fills us all with grief.”

Wildfires have surged across Greece this week, leading to mass evacuations. Earlier in the month, intense heatwaves also sparked major blazes in France and Spain, highlighting the growing threat of climate‑driven fire emergencies in Europe.

Officials report that the Bell helicopters were leased from Australian company McDermott Aviation, and that other aircraft such as Erickson Air‑Crane, Chinook, and Canadair water‑bombing planes continue to support the firefighting efforts.