Firefighting helicopter crashes into Lake Aoos during operation

Firefighting helicopter, which was carrying out water intake operations during an active wildfire response, crashed into Lake Aoos near Metsovo on Thursday afternoon (25/06).

According to reports, the two crew members were rescued and managed to exit the helicopter, but they have sustained injuries.

The firefighting helicopter was en route to Grevena to assist in extinguishing an ongoing wildfire that had broken out earlier in a forested area.

More specifically, according to initial information, during an aerial firefighting operation at the “Avgo” area in Grevena, the BELL 214 B type helicopter—leased by the Hellenic Fire Service—went down into the artificial Lake Aoos.

The helicopter, which had taken off from Ioannina Airport, had a crew of two, one Greek national and one foreign national serving as a liaison.

The circumstances under which the crash occurred remain unknown so far, while all possibilities are being investigated, from a technical malfunction to another operational failure during the water intake procedure.

Strong forces from the Fire Service, the Police, as well as ambulance units from the National Emergency Centre (EKAB), rushed to the scene to provide first aid and transport the crew.

The fire broke out today shortly after 12:00 noon in the “Avgo” area, in the mountainous zone of “Valia Calda” in the municipality of Grevena.

According to information from the Fire Service, 15 firefighters were immediately deployed, along with one foot patrol team from the 8th EMODE unit, 3 vehicles, and 1 helicopter.

The wildfire is burning in a rugged and inaccessible area, far from residential zones and infrastructure.

It is also noted that the area had recently experienced lightning activity.