[Updated] Firefighting plane crashes on Greek island of Evia, killing the two pilots

A Canadair CL-215 firefighting aircraft crashed in the southern part of the Greek island of Evia during an operation to contain a wildfire near Karystos. The search and rescue operation for the pilot and co-pilot was difficult due to the aircraft falling into a ravine and catching fire. Eventually, their death was confirmed.

Initial reports say two people were on board the aircraft, which belonged to the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron of the Greek Air Force. The Air Force has confirmed that the pilot Captain Christos Moulas (34) and the co-pilot Second Lieutenant Periklis Stefanidis (27) have perished in the crash.

Leading tributes to the two pilots, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said: “Our sense of gratitude is immense and our sorrow for their loss profound.”

Earlier, the Air Force said: “At 15:05, a CL-215 aircraft, with a crew of two airmen, of the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron of the 112th Combat Wing, crashed during aerial firefighting in Platanistos, Evia.”

Several wildfires are also raging on other Greek islands, including Rhodes and Corfu, amid a third heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 44°C.

The Greek authorities have issued warnings of extreme fire risk in various regions, and on average, 50 new wildfires have been breaking out daily for the past 12 days in Greece.

The government is heavily focused on ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors, with significant evacuation efforts underway.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has declared the situation as a war against the fires and emphasised the need for constant alertness due to the threat of climate change exacerbating natural disasters in the Mediterranean region.