Plane fighting Greece wildfires crashes

Awful news just in, as reports have emerged that a plane fighting the raging wildfires in Greece, has sadly crashed.

State broadcaster, ERT said that the plane crashed over the town of Karystos on the island of Evia, near Athens. The fire brigade also confirmed the awful news.

At the time of writing no information has been confirmed about the fate of the pilot.

Footage claiming to show the moment of the crash shows a plane, thought to be a Canadair craft, crashing directly into a hillside before bursting into flames.

The news comes as thousands of British holidaymakers are reportedly stranded on Greek islands desperately awaiting flights home.

The wildfires remain ongoing in numerous parts of Greece having started just last week.

At the time of writing it is believed that at least two people have died and many more have been left injured and displaced.

Forecasters believe the current heatwave engulfing Greece and other parts of Europe are set to be the longest in history lasting for over two weeks.

It is expected to be the hottest July Greece has faced in over 50 years.

On the island of Evia, where the plane crash occured, flames reached a height of 20 metres (66ft) and the mayor asked for use of aerial vehicles to help tackle the fires.

On the same island it was reported that one man died as a result of heat stroke.

Let us hope that one day soon all of the fires that are crippling Greece will be under control.

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this horrific tragedy.