![Screenshot from footage of a Canadian CL-215 water bomber crashing in Greece [ERT screengrab]](https://www.horizon.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Greek-CL-215-crash-1690298065.jpg "Screenshot from footage of a Canadian CL-215 water bomber crashing in Greece [ERT screengrab]")
Amidst the firefighting operations in the Karystos region of Greece, a tragic incident occurred earlier today when a Canadair CL-215-1A10 Aircraft (s/n 1055) from the 355th Tactical Transport Squadron of the Greek Air Force crashed after hitting the tree line. The Hellenic Ministry of Defense and the Hellenic Air Force have reported that two crew members were on board, the pilot, Captain Christos Moulas (34), and the co-pilot, Second Lieutenant Periklis Stefanidis (27), both tragically perished in the crash.
In response to this devastating loss of life in the line of duty, the Armed Forces have declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the fallen Air Force officers and pilots operating the firefighting aircraft CL-215 in Evia. The defence ministry issued a statement expressing their profound condolences.
Distressing footage of the incident, shared on social media by the state broadcaster ERT, captures the aircraft conducting a water drop over a fire before tragically crashing into a hillside and erupting into flames. Viewer discretion is advised when watching this footage. As more information becomes available from our local news representatives, this post will be continuously updated to provide accurate details on the situation.
