Tragic end to honeymoon as British couple killed in Greek helicopter crash

International

THE final moments of a British couple’s honeymoon on the Greek island of Sifnos ended in tragedy on Monday, when their helicopter crashed just metres from where it was due to land.

Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, both British nationals, were killed in the crash along with their Greek pilot, according to Greek police.

The private Bell 206 helicopter crashed near a landing pad on the popular holiday island. The couple had reportedly travelled by helicopter from Markopoulo, a village near Athens, to Sifnos, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini.

Greece’s aviation safety authority said it was investigating the crash, with responders due to travel to the scene to gather evidence and speak to witnesses.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told the BBC, “Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and in contact with the Greek authorities.”

The network said it had contacted Greek authorities and the aviation company for comment.

A senior police official told the Times that the crash occurred shortly before the helicopter’s scheduled landing time of 18:15 local time (16:15 GMT).

Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Foundoulakis arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and told local news site Newsit that there was almost “nothing left” of the aircraft.

He said local residents had seen the helicopter crash within metres of their homes and reported hearing a “bizarre engine noise coming from the aircraft” as it approached the landing area.

A fire broke out following the crash, with firefighters working to extinguish the flames. The blaze had been brought under control by Monday evening.

Sifnos Vice Mayor for Tourism Yiannis Rafeletos said that residents were “devastated” and “deeply shocked” by the deaths.

Rafeletos said two of the victims were found in the wreckage, while the third was found a short distance away.

Cromie worked for asset management firm Blackstone.

The company said it was shocked by his death and that of his wife, who were celebrating their honeymoon, describing Cromie as beloved by colleagues and expressing its condolences to his loved ones.

Ebert worked as a senior specialist at consultancy Bain & Company. The company said it was shocked by reports of the accident involving one of its colleagues and her husband and expressed its thoughts and support for the families affected.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established and remains under investigation.(MyTVCebu)