Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Helicopter Collision Amid Athens Wildfire Tragedy Leaves Unknown Casualties
Two helicopters that were fighting a big fire near Athens crashed into each other.
One of the planes fell to the ground, but we don’t know if the people inside are okay.
The crash happened in a place called Porto Germeno, which is west of the city of Athens.
The fire was very big, covering about 40 to 50 square kilometers, and it was threatening homes and an industrial area.
Because of the fire, 254 people were sent to safety by boat on Friday and 12 more on Saturday.
The Greek fire department is still looking for the crews.
The incident shows how dangerous it can be to fight fires when the wind is very strong.
The fire itself was caused by hot, dry weather and strong winds.
The whole event happened on a Sunday in Greece.
The people who were on the helicopters were part of the Greek fire department.
Two firefighting helicopters collided midair near Athens while battling a wind‑driven wildfire.
The crash left one aircraft on the ground; the crews’ condition remains unknown.
The incident occurred in the Porto Germeno area west of Athens, Greece.
The fire had spread 40–50 square kilometers, threatening communities and an industrial district.
Evacuations of 254 people by sea on Friday and 12 on Saturday were carried out.
- Who
- Two Greek firefighting helicopter crews, each with two personnel
- What
- Collision of two firefighting helicopters during wildfire suppression
- When
- Sunday
- Where
- Porto Germeno area, west of Athens, Greece
- Why
- Battling a wind‑driven wildfire under gale‑force conditions
- Event
- Two firefighting helicopters collided midair near Athens
- Date
- Sunday
- Location
- Porto Germeno area, west of Athens, Greece
- Number of aircraft
- 2
- Number of crew
- 4
- Fire area
- 40–50 square kilometers
- Evacuated people
- 266 (254 by sea Friday, 12 Saturday)