A firefighting helicopter has crashed into the artificial lake of Aoos, near Metsovo in Greece, during an operation to extinguish a fire in the Grevena area.
According to preliminary information, the accident occurred while the Bell helicopter was taking water from the lake. While attempting to take off, the vehicle lost stability after the tail touched the water surface, ending up crashing and then sinking into the lake.
The two pilots managed to get out of the helicopter in time and swam to shore, where they were helped by a boat. They were then transported by ambulance to the Ioannina hospital for medical checks. According to authorities, their condition is not life-threatening.
An eyewitness stated that the helicopter appeared to be having difficulty gaining altitude during the water retrieval operation, moments before it lost control and crashed.