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The accident exposed the risks carried by emergency crews working in smoke, strong winds and rapidly changing fire conditions.
Collision over the Psatha fire
Two Bell helicopters with two crew members each collided while operating over the Psatha area west of Athens. One aircraft crashed. Greek authorities said two people were recovered safely and two were found unconscious, with their conditions not immediately released.
Strong winds drove the emergency
The fire spread through parts of Attica and forced new evacuations as gale-force winds pushed flames across difficult terrain. The same conditions that accelerate a wildfire can also reduce visibility and make aerial drops more dangerous.
Europe faced several major fronts
France was dealing with extensive burned areas in Gironde and another active fire in Provence, while Spain’s largest fires had stopped advancing after days of destruction and loss of life. Greece also faced fires on other islands and northern areas.
A reminder of the human cost behind the response
Wildfire reports often focus on hectares burned and homes evacuated. The helicopter collision shows another part of the crisis: pilots, ground crews and local responders working in conditions where a small error, sudden gust or loss of visibility can become fatal.