More footage has been released of the crash of a firefighting helicopter in the artificial Lake Aoos in Metsovo, Greece, as the aircraft was taking part in an operation to extinguish fires in the Grevena area.
In the new video, one of the pilots can be seen in the water, very close to the body of the submerged helicopter, which is clearly visible beneath the surface of the lake. Moments later, he emerges at the surface and remains standing in chest-deep water while looking at the sunken Bell aircraft.
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These images were released after another video had circulated earlier online, capturing the moment when the helicopter lost control while taking on water from the lake for firefighting operations. As soon as the aircraft attempted to lift off, the tail section touched the water, causing it to lose stability and crash into the lake. According to the footage, the helicopter then caught fire and later sank.
The two pilots were able to get out of the helicopter and swim to the shore of the lake, where they were assisted by a boat. They were later taken by ambulance to the hospital in Ioannina for medical checks.
An eyewitness who filmed the incident described the first moments of the event, stating that the helicopter appeared to be having difficulty taking off while collecting water. According to him, the aircraft “was unable to gain altitude” before striking the surface of the lake.
“Something is wrong, it can’t gain altitude,” the witness said, while also describing the moment when the helicopter lost control and overturned in the water.
He also said that after the accident, local residents and witnesses tried to provide assistance and immediately alerted the authorities, who arrived at the scene within a few minutes, together with firefighters and police.
Meanwhile, the Greek authorities have continued their investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident. The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks that accompany aerial firefighting operations in difficult areas.
