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Two killed when firefighting helicopter crashes near Greek island

Mi-8 helicopter
Example of an Mi-8 helicopter of the Croation Air Force at Lucko Airbase, September, 2007. Photo by Suradnik13.

A firefighting helicopter has crashed in Greece while working on a wildfire  on the island of Samos. The Greek coastguard said the aircraft was carrying four people when it went down in the Aegean Sea on Wednesday afternoon.

Two crew members were found unconscious and were later confirmed to have died. The two others were rescued alive by authorities.

The aircraft involved is believed to be a Soviet-era Mi-8 helicopter, leased for firefighting operations from Ukraine.

Red areas represent heat from fires on Greek island of Samos, July 13, 2022.

A total of three helicopters and five fixed wing aircraft had been mobilized to help firefighters on Samos, according to the Greek Fire Service.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of the deceased.

Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Paula.

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