Two people died after two helicopters crashed midair in Athens while participating in the firefighting efforts to combat wildfires that are affecting several areas of Greece, Greek outlet Ekathimerini reported on Sunday.
The report mentioned that all four crewmembers of both helicopters were rescued alive from the crash site, with two of them being taken unconscious to a nearby hospital. Officials later told Reuters that two of the victims had lost their lives.
All of the Bell helicopters operating in the firefighting efforts were ordered to land following the crash, while operations continue underway with other aircraft available, Ekathimerini reported.
The helicopters were part of the operation to control a huge wildfire that has destroyed over 100 homes northwest of Athens, while another fresh blaze forced evacuations on the popular tourist island of Kefalonia.
Wildfires hit Europe as temperatures register record high
Europe has been ravaged by wildfires this summer after a period of record-breaking heatwaves and little rain - conditions that scientists say have been exacerbated by climate change.
Destructive blazes in France and Spain showed signs of easing over the weekend, but several wildfires have broken out in Greece after a period of relative calm there.
Gale-force winds that fueled the fire around Porto Germeno on the Gulf of Corinth 60 km (40 miles) northwest of Athens have subsided, but flames crossed a mountain to the south and reached the settlement of Veniza and a military firing range, activating unexploded ordnance.
Nearly 500 Greek firefighters, equipped with vehicles, heavy machinery, and firefighting aircraft, have been deployed, reinforced by France and Romania.
In the village of Agios Konstantinos, residents were doing their best to halt the spread of the blaze.
"The fire has been burning since last night; it is certain that they cannot have forces everywhere. We as residents are doing everything we can,” said Tasos Tzempelikos, 61, who, along with his son, was pouring water on the fire.