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Portugal: 4 dead after firefighter helicopter crash

Published August 30, 2024last updated August 30, 2024

A helicopter has crashed into the River Douro in northern Portugal after returning from a firefighting mission, killing at least four. The pilot survived the accident, while one person is missing.

https://p.dw.com/p/4k7T3
Vineyards along River Douro in Portugal near Pinhao
The Douro River runs through parts of the Iberian Peninsula, including areas in northern Portugal and western and central SpainImage: Steven Heap/Zoonar/picture alliance

At least four people were killed and one was missing after a helicopter crashed in the Lamego area of northern Portugal on Friday.

The helicopter crashed into the River Douro while it was on its way back from a firefighting mission near the town of Baiao.

The accident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 UTC).

The pilot survived the crash and was taken to hospital with leg fractures.

Rui Silva Lampreia, the head of the National Maritime Authority, told Portuguese media that two bodies were pulled from the submerged helicopter. 

"Two bodies were inside the aircraft and another two were found near the tail of the aircraft, which was broken in two," he said, adding that a search was ongoing for the person still missing. 

"We're doing underwater searches around the helicopter and on the banks."

Portugal's civil protection authority said that the five passengers were all members of the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit (UEPS) of the national gendarmerie.

Prime Minister Luis Montengro traveled to the scene of the incident.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident.

Portuguese daily Jornal de Noticias reported that tourist activities were suspended in the area as rescue operations were ongoing.

Dozens of first responders, maritime police, divers and two Air Force helicopters were involved in the search.

sdi/nm (AFP, Reuters, Lusa)