British Newlyweds and Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash on Greek Island

A young British couple on their honeymoon and their pilot were killed after a private helicopter crashed on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday, authorities said.

The victims were identified as newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, who had travelled to Greece for their honeymoon. The pilot, who was a Greek national, also died in the crash.

The helicopter reportedly came down just metres from a designated landing area on the popular Aegean island.

Couple had travelled from near Athens

According to Greek media reports, the couple had taken the helicopter from the village of Markopoulo, near Athens, before travelling to Sifnos.

The crash occurred shortly before the helicopter was expected to land at around 18:15 local time on Monday.

Local officials said residents witnessed the aircraft coming down close to homes.

Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Foundoulakis told local media that witnesses reported hearing an unusual engine noise shortly before the crash.

He said there was very little of the aircraft left after the impact.

Fire breaks out after crash

Emergency crews responded to the scene after the helicopter crashed and a fire broke out.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames by Monday evening.

Authorities said two of the victims were found inside the wreckage, while the third victim was located a short distance away.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear.

Greece's aviation safety authorities have launched an investigation and were expected to visit the crash site on Tuesday to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

Investigators will examine the aircraft, the circumstances surrounding the flight and the events immediately preceding the crash as they seek to establish what caused the accident.

Blackstone mourns employee

Cromie worked for global investment firm Blackstone, which confirmed his death and described him as a much-loved colleague.

In a statement, the company said it was “shocked” by the deaths of Cromie and his wife.

“Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones,” the company said.

The deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief as authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Investigation under way

Greek police and aviation authorities are investigating the accident.

The UK Foreign Office and Greek authorities are also expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.

Investigators are expected to examine the helicopter's mechanical condition, flight path, weather conditions and the pilot's actions before landing.

The crash comes as Greece hosts large numbers of international tourists during the summer holiday season, with Sifnos among the country's popular island destinations.

Authorities have not yet released further details on what may have caused the helicopter to crash.