Two Firefighting Helicopters Collide Midair Near Athens During Wildfire Response

Two firefighting helicopters collided midair on August 2, 2026, over Psatha, west of Athens, while battling wildfires. TV footage showed one aircraft explode and fall after an apparent rotor strike — the spinning blade assembly that keeps a helicopter aloft. Both had departed Elefsina military airport. Search and rescue teams were mobilised to locate the crews.