Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Helicopter Collision During Greek Wildfire Rescue
Two helicopters that were fighting a big fire in Greece crashed into each other over the coast near a place called Psatha.
One of the pilots called the fire service and said the other pilot was hurt.
The second helicopter’s crew was still missing.
In Spain, the fire in a town called Avila was so big it burned a huge area, but it is now calmer.
The Spanish leader, Pedro Sánchez, said the emergency for that fire is over and people can go back home.
Spain also sent special planes to help Greece and Italy fight fires.
Two firefighting helicopters collided midair while battling a massive wildfire in western Attica, Greece, on Sunday afternoon.
The collision caused both helicopters to crash near Psatha, prompting a large‑scale rescue operation; one pilot reported the co‑pilot was injured.
No immediate information was available about the crew of the second helicopter.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared the end of the national emergency for wildfires in Ávila and Madrid, with the Burgohondo fire stabilised after burning over 50,000 hectares.
Spain activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, offering Canadair aircraft to support firefighting efforts in Greece and Italy.
- Who
- Pilots of two firefighting helicopters and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
- What
- Midair collision of firefighting helicopters while battling a wildfire
- When
- Sunday afternoon (date not specified)
- Where
- Western Attica, Greece near Psatha; also Avila and Madrid, Spain
- Why
- Helicopters were engaged in wildfire suppression operations
- Event
- Helicopter collision during wildfire
- Location
- Western Attica, Greece
- Number of helicopters
- 2
- Casualties
- 1 injured co‑pilot; second crew status unknown
- Wildfire area
- Burgohondo fire, 50,000+ hectares
