Summary:
Firefighting helicopter crashes into the Douro River during a mission.
Pilot rescued with minor injuries; five GNR members still missing.
Search and rescue operations involve 90 personnel and multiple vehicles.
The helicopter was combating a fire in Baião when the accident occurred.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is heading to the search site.
Helicopter Crash Incident
A firefighting helicopter crashed into the Douro River on Friday between Lamego and Peso da Régua, as confirmed by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC). The incident occurred while returning from a mission to combat flames in Gestaçô, prompting the pilot to attempt a water landing near Samodães.
Rescue Operations Underway
Onboard were six members of the National Republican Guard (GNR) from Armamar. While the pilot has been successfully rescued and is being transported to Vila Real Hospital with minor injuries, the whereabouts of the other five guards from the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit (UEPS) remain unknown. Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing near the submerged helicopter.
Timeline of Events
The alarm for the aerial accident was raised at 12:36 PM. By 2 PM, there were 90 personnel on the ground, supported by 25 vehicles and three aircraft. The GNR reported that the helicopter was engaged in battling a fire in Baião when it fell into the river. The fire was reported to the Civil Protection at 12:12 PM.
Ongoing Investigations
As of 12:50 PM, the GNR confirmed the helicopter's crash into the Douro River at Samodães. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The rescue operations involve maritime units from the Maritime Police, firefighters, divers, recreational boats, and military personnel from the GNR.
Government Response
The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, is en route to Lamego to oversee the search efforts, as confirmed by an official government source.
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