According to Lusa News Agency, the helicopter carrying six people—a pilot and five soldiers—caught fire while returning from fighting fires in the northern region of Portugal.The accident occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. when the helicopter plunged into the Douro River.
After being saved by a passing boat, the pilot is reportedly in a stable condition at a hospital under medical observation, with no sign of imminent danger to his life.
Still, efforts to locate and recover the last missing soldier are ongoing.
Following the tragedy, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro addressed the country and expressed his deep sorrow for the lives lost.
Montenegro remarked, “Today is a very sad day for Portugal.” “Our deepest condolences to the National Republican Guard (GNR) for this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.”
He also declared Saturday, August 31, to be a national day of mourning, in accordance with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the government.
The president of Portugal postponed his plans and went straight to the accident scene to supervise the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) is still looking into what caused the crash.■
