Tragedy struck on Sunday as two helicopters, both under lease from the Australian firm McDermott Aviation, collided in midair while engaged in firefighting efforts over Greece, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.
The unfortunate accident claimed the lives of one Greek and one Danish national in a crash above Psatha, located to the west of Athens. Fortunately, a separate helicopter’s crew, comprising members from Greece and Britain, survived the incident.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the four individuals involved in the crash.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, John McDermott, the founder and president of McDermott Aviation, expressed his profound sorrow over the loss.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the deaths of two crew members aboard one of the helicopters. Meanwhile, those from the second helicopter are currently receiving medical care,” McDermott stated.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident. Both crews were undertaking the critical work of supporting firefighting operations to help protect communities.”
McDermott Aviation has reportedly operated in Greece for several years. The company said it is working closely with relevant authorities as they undertake an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Over the past decade, McDermott Aviation said it has engaged in around 10 to 12 international movements a year via sea and air freight. It also operates in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the United States, which is currently experiencing wildfires in several western states.
‘Something really hurts inside’
Nikos Pagiotelis has been a volunteer firefighter in Greece for more than 20 years. He told SBS Greek about the moment he heard news of the crash over local radio.
“When you are inside the fire, and you are trying to help the people, you’re trying to save the animals, save the forest. Then suddenly [you] hear that two helicopters have crashed a couple of miles near you — you can understand that something really hurts inside,” Pagiotelis said.
“You can do nothing, you freeze for a little bit, and then you just continue your work. You continue to help people to honour the lives of the loss of two comrades.”
In a statement on social media, Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed his “sorrow for the tragic accident” and extended condolences to the families of the deceased firefighters.
“The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot at the time they were attempting the major fire in Porto Gremeno fills us all with grief,” Mitsotakis said.
‘Total destruction’
Nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft have been deployed to fight fires in Greece, which have been driven by high temperatures and gale-force winds.
On Sunday, evacuation orders were in place for mountainous regions including Kandili, Agia Skepi and Toutouli. Local crews said they were particularly concerned about the seaside community of Porto Germeno, on the Gulf of Corinth.
Elsewhere in Greece, flames threatened homes on Kefalonia, forcing evacuations from inland communities. Firefighters battled another blaze near Nea Tenedos on the peninsula of Halkidiki.
Last week, two firefighters died in Crete and another was killed in the southern Peloponnese region.
Greek farmer Minas Tzortzanis said it’s difficult to put into words the toll of destruction across the country.
“A pristine forest, a paradise, surrendered to the hands of the fire,” Tzortzanis told media on Saturday.
“There are no words to explain what has happened. Destruction. Total destruction.”
More than 330,000 people have been evacuated from parts of France, Spain, and Portugal as wildfires continue to spread across southern Europe.
— This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Greek and includes reporting from the Australian Associated Press.