Two people have died following a mid-air collision between two firefighting helicopters in Greece. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026, while the aircraft were battling a large, wind-driven wildfire near Psatha, northwest of Athens. The helicopters, which were part of a fleet leased from the Australian company McDermott Aviation, were operating in extremely challenging conditions as gale-force winds pushed flames toward local communities.
Authorities confirmed that the two individuals who lost their lives were a Greek liaison officer and a Danish pilot. The crew of the second helicopter, consisting of a British pilot and a Greek coordinator, survived the crash and were transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The collision was captured on footage, which appeared to show one aircraft striking the other before it descended to the ground.
In response to the tragedy, the Greek fire service has grounded similar helicopters in the region while an investigation into the cause of the collision is conducted. The wildfire, which has already destroyed more than 100 homes, remains a significant threat as hundreds of firefighters continue to work in the area. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and warned that the country faces extremely difficult days ahead due to the ongoing extreme weather conditions.
McDermott Aviation, which has supported firefighting operations in Greece for the past seven years, stated that it is deeply saddened by the news and is working closely with authorities to assist in the investigation. The crash marks a somber moment in a wider wildfire crisis currently affecting parts of Europe, where heat, drought, and high winds have created hazardous conditions for emergency responders.