Two pilots killed after two Bell helicopters collide while fighting wildfire near Athens

Two pilots have died and two others were rescued after two Bell firefighting helicopters collided while battling a large wildfire in the Psatha area west of Athens, Greek authorities said. The aircraft — both leased Bell-type helicopters — were operating over western Attica when the accident occurred; search-and-rescue teams were deployed immediately. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/726b55a6fe6c51de1fb086b437eb28de?utm_source=openai))

The Hellenic Fire Service said the two helicopters were carrying a total of four men. "There were four men in the two helicopters in total, two of whom were Greek and two foreign nationals. Two of them were found alive, while two were recovered without signs of life and were taken away by emergency medical service vehicles," the service said. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/726b55a6fe6c51de1fb086b437eb28de?utm_source=openai))

Operation and first response

According to officials, the aerial crews had departed from Elefsina and were participating in coordinated water-dropping missions when the mid-air collision happened. The head of the fire service, Theodoros Vaias, led the on-scene response as ground teams moved in to recover the crews and secure the wreckage. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/726b55a6fe6c51de1fb086b437eb28de?utm_source=openai))

Footage circulating online showed the moment of impact and the subsequent crash of one of the helicopters, heightening concerns about the risks crews face in fast-moving, wind-driven fires. Aerial firefighting operations in the area had been hampered by strong gusts and difficult visibility. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/726b55a6fe6c51de1fb086b437eb28de?utm_source=openai))

Greek officials said inquiries will examine coordination, radio procedures and operational constraints under extreme conditions. The international firefighting effort in Greece this season has included leased rotary-wing aircraft from abroad, raising questions about communication and command arrangements when multinational crews operate in the same airspace. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/726b55a6fe6c51de1fb086b437eb28de?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event