A private air taxi crashed near the helicopter landing pad on Monday evening. The pilot and two passengers died in the accident.
The police identified the deceased British nationals as Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert. The helicopter was piloted by Giorgos Raikos, according to the “Daily Mail”.
It is believed the couple was about 30 years old and lived in London. It is reported that they were on their honeymoon trip at the time of the accident.
The pilot, according to local media, was a retired officer of the Greek Air Force. He had extensive flying experience and previously piloted military Chinook helicopters. It is also reported that the man was married and raised three children.
It is reported that the newlyweds rented a private air taxi from Athens to the island of Sifnos – this was how they planned to start their honeymoon.
However, the tragedy occurred around 6 p.m. local time when the helicopter was approaching the landing pad.
Photos published in the local media show the crash site on a dry hillside, shrouded in thick black smoke.
Footage captured by nearby cameras shows the helicopter starting to spin uncontrollably, falling, and eventually crashing into the ground.
After the impact, parts of the helicopter were thrown into the air.
Initially, local media reported that the helicopter crashed just seconds after takeoff, but this information was later corrected.
Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Fountoulakis told the news portal “NewsIT” that almost nothing was left at the crash site.
“There was nothing left, just a shapeless mass, in which, it is believed, were two charred bodies,” he said.
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According to him, local residents said the helicopter experienced a mechanical failure in the air and emitted loud, unusual noises resembling a military aircraft.
The deputy mayor also indicated that two bodies were found at the helicopter crash site, and another one a few meters away from it.
Greek media reported that emergency services were informed about the accident at around 6:17 p.m. local time.
The British Foreign Office said it is in contact with local authorities and gathering more information. The ministry also stated it is ready to provide consular assistance to those affected.
The Greek fire service reported that after the disaster, an alarm was heard throughout the island of the Cyclades archipelago. Sifnos is a very popular tourist destination during the summer.
The island’s mayor, Maria Nadali, told local media that this is a shocking event.
“We are shocked and, together with the responsible services, are trying to deal with the consequences of this incident that occurred near the landing pad,” she said.
Local reports state that the pilot was hired by the helicopter company just two months ago.
No buildings or other people were harmed in the accident.
According to the Greek Ministry of Transport, the accident is being investigated by the National Organization for the Investigation of Air and Rail Accidents and Transport Safety (EODASAAM).
