Two helicopters collided midair on August 2, 2026, while fighting a wildfire near Psatha, Greece, causing one to burst into flames. The incident occurred during firefighting operations in the Psatha region on the Gulf of Corinth, west of Athens. Local news site in.gr reported that an injured crew member from one helicopter was in communication with officials, while a search was underway for the other crew member, whose helicopter lacked a functioning radio and had crashed in a ravine.
Two crew members per helicopter, search ongoing
Each helicopter carried two people: a pilot and a passenger who coordinated with the operations center, according to in.gr. The injured crew member was communicating with authorities, but the fate of the other remained unknown as of the latest reports. The search focused on a ravine where the second helicopter went down, with rescue teams facing challenging terrain.
Evacuations and destruction in Porto Germeno
The collision occurred amid a broader wildfire crisis in the region. On Friday, 300 people were evacuated by sea from Porto Germeno, a popular resort located a short distance north of Psatha, as fires spread rapidly. Local resident Minas Tzortzanis described the devastation to the PA news agency: 'A pristine forest, a paradise, was surrendered to the hands of the fire. There are no words to explain what has happened. Destruction. Total destruction.'
High winds hamper firefighting efforts
Weather conditions have significantly complicated firefighting operations. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas stated: 'The very strong to gale-force winds continue to create exceptionally difficult conditions.' These winds have made it difficult for aircraft to collect water and approach the fire zone safely, reducing the effectiveness of aerial firefighting efforts.
Broader European wildfire crisis
The incident in Greece is part of a larger pattern of wildfires affecting several European countries during an exceptionally hot and dry summer. In France and Spain, around a third of a million people had to evacuate their homes due to rapidly spreading fires. Others took shelter as ash and toxic smoke filled the air, with massive thunderstorms known as pyrocumulonimbus clouds forming as a result of the intense heat.
Impact and ongoing response
The destruction in Psatha and nearby areas has been described as total by local residents, with pristine forests reduced to ash. The Greek government, led by Minister Tournas, continues to coordinate firefighting and rescue efforts, but the extreme weather conditions pose significant challenges. The search for the missing crew member remains a priority, as does containing the fires that threaten communities and natural habitats.
