Athens (HRNW)- A British newlywed couple on their honeymoon and a Greek helicopter pilot were killed when their private helicopter crashed shortly before landing on the Greek tourist island of Sifnos.
According to reports, the couple had traveled to Greece for their honeymoon and were flying to Sifnos from Markopoulo, near Athens. The helicopter was scheduled to land at around 6:15 p.m. local time but crashed just moments before reaching the helipad.
Witnesses reported hearing an unusual engine sound shortly before the crash. One eyewitness said the helicopter was above the landing area when it suddenly lost control and crashed, triggering a fire. The wreckage was scattered around the site, with thick black smoke visible from a distance.
The victims were identified as British citizens Alexander Cromie and his wife, Mary Ebert, along with Greek pilot Georgios Raikos. Firefighters and rescue workers arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control. Authorities confirmed that the bodies of all three people aboard had been recovered.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Mechanical failure is among the possibilities being examined after witnesses reported unusual engine noises. Investigators are examining the helicopter’s engine, flight records, weather conditions and other evidence while collecting eyewitness statements.
Authorities said it is too early to determine the final cause of the accident and that the investigation remains ongoing.
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