In a tragic turn of events that even the most cynical among us didn't see coming, two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air in Greece, killing two crew members. The victims were identified as a Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer, while a British pilot and another Greek coordinator on the second helicopter survived, presumably to fight another day.

The incident occurred 65 km (42 miles) west of Athens, where video footage shows one Bell helicopter clipping the propellers of the other, which promptly burst into flames. Both aircraft plummeted into a ravine, because of course they did - gravity is relentless.

Greece has been battling multiple wildfires this week, forcing mass evacuations. The two helicopters were part of efforts to tackle a large blaze on the Attica-Boeotia border. Crew members from one helicopter were rescued alive, but the other crew were pulled out unconscious and later pronounced dead - because even in a country known for tragedy, the gods demand a sacrifice.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his 'deepest sorrow,' posting on X that the loss 'fills us all with grief.' He also offered condolences to the families, because that's what leaders do when they can't actually prevent helicopters from crashing into each other.

Following protocol - because there's a protocol for everything - all Bell helicopters across the country have been grounded. The second helicopter involved made an emergency landing in low vegetation, with the British pilot and Greek liaison officer escaping with minor injuries. They were conscious and admitted to hospital for 24-hour observation, just to be safe.

Meanwhile, Erickson Air-Crane and Chinook helicopters, along with Canadair water-bombers, continue the firefighting efforts, because the show must go on.

Earlier this week, France and Spain also battled massive fires near Madrid and Bordeaux, which have been contained but are still smoldering. About 300,000 evacuees have started returning home, hopefully to find their houses still standing.

In Greece, media describe 'a titanic battle' across Porto Germeno, Psatha, Fokida, Megara, and Kefalonia, where over 500 firefighters have been struggling for 72 hours. Most wildfires are sparked by humans - intentionally or not - but climate change is making conditions more favorable, because we're nothing if not enablers.

Last winter's mild, wet weather encouraged vegetation growth, which then dried out in successive heatwaves, providing ample fuel. It's almost as if we're setting the stage for our own fiery demise.