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Two crew members are dead after a pair of Australian-owned firefighting helicopters collided in mid-air during a mission in Greece.
The Bell aircraft, owned by McDermott Aviation, were battling a fire near Porto Germeno when the rotor of one appeared to strike the underside of the other, causing the lower helicopter to crash in flames, while the other flew away after dumping its load of water, according to video footage.
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A Greek fire service liaison officer and a Danish pilot were confirmed dead, while another Greek co-ordinator and a British pilot were recovered safely, according to media reports.
“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,” said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a statement.
Sunshine Coast-based McDermott Aviation confirmed in a statement that it owned both aircraft; its helicopters are leased out internationally for applications including firefighting and emergency response.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident,” said founder and president John McDermott.
“Both crews were undertaking the critical work of supporting firefighting operations to help protect communities.
“McDermott Aviation is working closely with the relevant authorities and will continue to assist as they undertake their investigation into the incident.”
The crash comes as Australian crews and aircraft also help battle wildfires in France, with a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) CH-47D Chinook helicopter and Bell 412 reconnaissance and support aircraft sent to Europe over the weekend.
NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Trent Curtin said 24 “highly skilled aviation personnel” will help support operations during “one of France’s most severe fire seasons in decades”.
“This is an historic deployment for the RFS, marking the first time we’ve been called upon to assist in Europe and the first time aerial firefighting aircraft with night-time waterbombing capability will operate in France,” Curtin said.
“Firefighters understand that bushfires don’t stop at borders. We’ve always been willing to help when we’re able, just as others have supported us in the past. These deployments strengthen the relationships that are invaluable when communities are facing their toughest days.
“Communities across Europe, the US and Canada have endured an incredibly difficult fire season. We hope our assistance can make a positive contribution and go some way towards easing that burden.”
McDermott helicopters have conducted firefighting operations in Greece for seven years.
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