Two Bell 214ST Firefighting Helicopters Collide Mid-Air While Battling Wildfire Near Athens

Описание: Psatha, Greece — Two Bell 214ST firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while responding to a major forest fire in the Psatha area, west of Athens, Greece, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.

The aircraft involved were identified as Bell 214ST N511EV (serial number 28105, built in 1982) and Bell 214ST N746H (serial number 28200, built in 1991). According to the Greek Fire Service, each helicopter was carrying a two-person crew at the time of the accident.

Following the collision, one of the helicopters exploded before crashing. Authorities confirmed that all four crew members have been located and rescued. One person sustained injuries, while rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing.

The helicopters were taking part in efforts to contain a large wildfire burning near the coastal village of Porto Germeno, approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Athens. Nearly 500 firefighters have been deployed to battle the blaze as emergency crews continue working to bring the fire under control.

Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the mid-air collision, and an investigation is expected to follow.