Autopsies will be performed on the three passengers who lost their lives following yesterday’s (17/8) helicopter crash on Sifnos, in order to determine the exact cause of death. Identification of the victims is expected to be carried out through DNA testing. For the British couple, the process is expected to take place in cooperation with the relevant embassies. In addition, a technical investigation will be conducted by EODASSAM (the Hellenic Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board).
Read: Sifnos helicopter crash dominates British media: “Horror as British newlyweds were on their honeymoon”
Sifnos crash: What investigators are examining
The relevant authorities are examining all available evidence that could explain what caused the helicopter to crash on Sifnos, placing particular emphasis on the condition of the aircraft as well as eyewitness testimonies from local residents.
The helicopter, which had taken off from Markopoulo, came down near the helipad in the Tholos area, where a fire subsequently broke out. The pilot of the ill-fated aircraft was a 55-year-old man, while a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman also lost their lives in the crash. Information indicating that two of the three victims were a newlywed couple is reported to have come from the company associated with the flight.
The aircraft that crashed has been identified as a Bell 206, a type of helicopter widely used in civilian and commercial aviation. Bellavia Aviation Services, a company operating in the aviation sector that includes the Bell 206 in its fleet, notes that these helicopters are used, among other purposes, for charter flights, sightseeing tours, and passenger transfers.
