Two killed in helicopter collision fighting wildfires in Greece

Two people were killed after two helicopters dedicated to fighting forest fires collided in Greece, as harsh weather conditions and fierce winds hampered firefighting teams’ efforts to tackle blazes erupting in several parts of the country.

The National Observatory of Climate reported that separate fires consumed more than 6,500 hectares in the Corinth Gulf area, while flames swept through the coastal village of Porto Germeno near the capital, Athens.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that the country is facing severe weather conditions and strong winds, which often reached speeds of 100 kilometers per hour.

In a post on Facebook, he said that winds of such strength prevent dozens of firefighting aircraft from operating safely, further complicating efforts to contain the fires.