Two helicopters collide while fighting wildfires in Greece

Two helicopters fighting wildfires in Greece collided in mid-air, sending both aircraft crashing into a ravine. The incident took place about 65 kilometres west of Athens, in the Psatha area, according to the fire department. Video footage shows one helicopter striking the propellers of the other, which immediately burst into flames. All four crew members – two Greeks and two Romanians – were pulled from the wreckage. Two were found unconscious, while the other two sustained minor injuries, Greek media reported. They were taken to the 251st Air Force General Hospital.

The collision happened during a forest firefighting operation, the fire department said, as strong winds continued to hamper efforts to control several blazes across the country. This week, wildfires have forced many residents to evacuate their homes. Media reports described a 'titanic battle' along a wide area encompassing Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara and Kefalonia, where more than 500 firefighters have been working for the past 72 hours.

Elsewhere in Europe, a series of heatwaves has created favourable conditions for wildfires. France and Spain have been battling massive fires, including major blazes near Madrid and Bordeaux. Those fires have been contained, though they are still burning. Around 300,000 people who were evacuated have begun returning home.

Most wildfires are started by people, either deliberately or accidentally, but climate change makes such conditions more common. Last winter's mild and wet weather encouraged vegetation growth, which has since dried out during successive hot spells, providing ample fuel for fires.