Three people were killed Monday when a private helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff on the Greek island of Sifnos, in the southern Aegean Sea, Greek fire brigade officials said.

The helicopter came down in the Tholos area, near the island’s helipad, shortly after departing. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers, all of whom died in the crash, according to authorities.

The crash triggered a fire at the site, prompting an immediate response from the Greek Fire Service. Emergency crews brought the blaze under control, while a specialized rescue team was dispatched from the nearby island of Syros aboard a high-speed vessel.

The aircraft reportedly came down in an inhabited area close to the helipad, although initial reports indicate that no homes were struck. Local media footage showed flames and a column of dark smoke rising from the crash site.

The Greek Fire Service said its operations center received notification of the accident at approximately 6:17 p.m. local time. Two firefighters and a vehicle were initially deployed to the scene, while additional rescue personnel traveled from Syros.

Local officials later confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter had died.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the helicopter to crash. An investigation is expected to examine the aircraft's condition, flight operations and circumstances immediately preceding the accident.

Some local reports have suggested that the aircraft may have experienced a problem shortly before the crash, but no mechanical failure has been officially confirmed.

The incident occurred on Sifnos, a popular Cycladic tourist destination that receives significant visitor traffic during the summer season.

The crash comes amid heightened attention to aviation safety in Greece following another fatal helicopter accident earlier this month involving two firefighting helicopters near Psatha, west of Athens. That incident killed two people.

Greek authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation into Monday's crash progresses. (ILKHA)