A routine firefighting mission over the hills west of Athens turned deadly on Sunday when two helicopters collided mid-air. The crash, captured on video, killed two crew members and left two others injured, according to Greek officials. Main Developments The two aircraft were part of a coordinated effort to douse wildfires that had broken out in the region. Officials confirmed that two crew members died in the accident, while the other two survived. Footage from the scene shows the moment of impact, underscoring the dangers of aerial firefighting. Read also: Deadly Overnight Strikes: 14 Killed as Ukraine and Russia Trade Long-Range Attacks Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the extent of the survivors' injuries. The helicopters were operating in close proximity as part of the firefighting response, a tactic that requires precise coordination. Background Greece has faced recurring wildfires in recent years, with increasingly hot and dry summers creating dangerous conditions. Aerial units are frequently deployed to contain blazes quickly, especially near populated areas like Athens. Collisions, though rare, highlight the inherent risks of operating multiple aircraft in smoke-filled skies with limited visibility. Why It Matters The incident raises questions about safety protocols for aerial firefighting, a critical tool in Greece's battle against seasonal wildfires. As climate change intensifies fire seasons, the demand for such operations grows, making crew safety a pressing concern. The loss of life also underscores the human cost of protecting communities from increasingly frequent natural disasters. What's Next Greek authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the crash to determine its cause. Survivors' testimonies and flight data will likely be reviewed. Meanwhile, firefighting operations continue, though the incident may prompt a reassessment of how helicopters are deployed during active fires.