Authorities launched a major search and rescue operation after two chartered Bell helicopters fighting a large wildfire in western Attica in Greece collided in mid-air and crashed near Agios Nektarios on Sunday afternoon.
The two helicopters, each carrying a two-member crew consisting of a Romanian pilot and a Greek coordinator, had been operating since Sunday morning on the major wildfire burning in western Attica when the collision occurred.
In its latest statement, the Fire Service said:
"A total of four men were on board the two helicopters, including two Greek nationals and two foreign nationals. Two of the occupants were located alive, while two others were recovered unconscious and transported by EKAB ambulances."
The statement added:
"During firefighting operations in the Psatha area of Attica, two chartered Bell helicopters operating in efforts to extinguish the major Attica-Boeotia wildfire collided. Search and rescue forces from the Fire Service were immediately mobilised and completed the location and recovery of all crew members.
The operation was coordinated on the ground by Fire Service Chief Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias.
A total of four men were on board the two helicopters, including two Greek nationals and two foreign nationals.
Two of the occupants were located alive, while two others were recovered unconscious and transported by EKAB ambulances.
Ground firefighting forces already operating in the wider Psatha area for the forest fire also participated in the search operation.
The two helicopters had taken off from Elefsina Airport. The exact causes and circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the competent authorities."
According to ERT, the crew of one of the helicopters initially managed to contact the Fire Service operations centre, after which rescuers from the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAB) launched a recovery operation.
ERT correspondent Peggy Broussali reported that it was the helicopter's pilot who made contact, informing authorities that the co-pilot had been injured.
The two crew members who were recovered alive were transported to the 251 Air Force General Hospital.
Fire Service Statement
"During aerial firefighting operations, two Bell helicopters chartered by the Fire Service, each with a crew of two, crashed in the wider Psatha area of Attica. The helicopters had taken off from the military airport at Elefsina. A search and rescue operation is under way. Further information will follow."
Source: ERT News
