Key facts
- Two crew members died in a helicopter crash while battling a wildfire in Greece.
- The helicopter collision occurred near Psatha, west of Athens.
- The incident involved two firefighting helicopters colliding midair.
- Hundreds of firefighters are battling the wildfire.
- Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate due to the blaze.
- Hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the wildfire.
- The European Union has launched its largest-ever wildfire response.
- The EU is mobilizing aircraft and personnel to assist countries battling blazes.
- The EU's strategy includes emergency response, prevention, and early warning systems.
Two crew members have died following a midair collision between two firefighting helicopters west of Athens, Greece. The incident occurred near Psatha on Sunday while the aircraft were engaged in battling a significant wildfire. A search and rescue operation was launched immediately after the crash.
The wildfire itself has prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents and has reportedly destroyed hundreds of homes. Hundreds of firefighters are actively working to contain the blaze, which is being fanned by strong winds. This incident highlights the dangerous conditions faced by emergency personnel during wildfire suppression efforts.