Firefighting Helicopters Collide As Wildfires Ravage Greece
Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a massive wildfire in Greece on Sunday as devastating blazes destroyed more than 100 homes and forced fresh evacuations.
The collision occurred during a firefighting operation in the Attica region, west of Athens, where wildfires have spread rapidly after weeks of extreme heat and dry conditions.
Greek authorities said one helicopter crew was found safe, while search-and-rescue teams were deployed to locate the second crew after their aircraft crashed.
The wildfire, which has already destroyed dozens of homes northwest of Athens, also spread toward the settlement of Veniza, prompting firefighters to prevent the flames from reaching the nearby coastal town of Megara.
Meanwhile, another wildfire broke out on the tourist island of Kefalonia, forcing residents to evacuate.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the scale of the disaster, saying the intensity of the weather had overwhelmed even the best emergency planning.
The latest fires come as Europe continues to battle one of its worst wildfire seasons, fuelled by record-breaking heatwaves and prolonged dry weather.
Source: Reuters
Source: Reuters
Photo Credit: Stelios Misinas/REUTERS
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