Sifnos Island. Photo: Shutterstock Disaster on the Greek island of Sifnos. A private helicopter crashed yesterday (Monday, August 17, 26) in the afternoon in the Tholos area of the island, and following the crash, a fire broke out in the aircraft. Three people were killed in the accident. As you may recall, earlier this month, two firefighter pilots were killed in a helicopter crash in the Attica region. The two were engaged in firefighting operations and apparently crashed due to poor visibility conditions.
The Greek Fire Service Operations Center received a report of the crash and the fire in the helicopter. Four firefighters were on scene to extinguish the fire, joined by a reinforcement team of five firefighters who arrived from the island of Syros via a fire service speedboat.
During the firefighting and treatment operations at the scene, firefighters located three bodies. The identities of the deceased have not been officially released, but according to publications in the country, they are a tourist couple and a pilot.
The Greek authorities have opened a preliminary investigation to examine the circumstances of the crash, and within the framework of this investigation, the factors that led to the helicopter crash are expected to be examined.
Sifnos is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea and is considered a popular destination, mainly thanks to the traditional villages, beautiful beaches, clear waters and peaceful nature of the island.
Unlike the nearby islands, which are known for their lively nightlife, Sifnos is considered an attraction for tourists looking for a relaxing vacation and quality tavernas. The island is home to several thousand residents, and during the summer months the population increases significantly with the arrival of tourists.