Two helicopters have crashed in Greece while battling wildfires, triggering a search and rescue operation for their crews. The incident took place in the Psatha region of Attica, according to the Greek fire department.
Search and rescue under way
The aircraft had taken off from Elefsina military airport and were each carrying a two-person crew. The Greek fire service confirmed the helicopters were BELL models leased by the department.
In a statement, the fire department said: "During the aerial firefighting operation, two BELL helicopters, leased by the fire department, with a crew of two people each, crashed in the wider area of Psatha, Attica." It added: "The helicopters had taken off from the Elefsina military airport. The search and rescue operation is under way."
International assistance
Nearly 500 Greek firefighters have been deployed to the region, assisted by personnel from France and Romania.
