Summary:
Four soldiers killed and one missing in a helicopter crash in the Douro River.
Pilot Luís Rebelo rescued alive and in stable condition.
National mourning declared for Saturday in response to the tragedy.
GNR soldiers involved were part of the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit.
Search operations to continue at dawn with hope of finding the missing soldier.
Overview of the Incident
A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Peso da Régua, resulting in four fatalities and one missing soldier. The helicopter was returning from battling a fire in Gestaçô when it fell into the Douro River. The pilot, Luís Rebelo, aged 44, was rescued alive but injured and is currently stable in a hospital in Vila Real.
The Victims
The deceased soldiers are:
- Pedro Santos, 45, married with two children
- António Pinto, 36, married with one child
- Fábio Pereira, 34, father of three
- Daniel Pereira, 35, father of two
The missing soldier, Tiago Pereira, aged 29, is single. All five were part of the GNR and hailed from Lamego, Moimenta da Beira, and Castro Daire in Viseu district.
Government Response
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro arrived at the scene and participated in search efforts aboard a rescue boat for 32 minutes. He faced criticism regarding his presence but clarified that it was to represent the Portuguese government during this tragic event. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also visited the site after adjusting his schedule.
National Mourning
Montenegro announced a national day of mourning for Saturday, emphasizing that it is a profoundly sad day for Portugal. The reasons behind the crash are still under investigation, but aviation sources indicated the helicopter was forced to land on the Douro River. The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) confirmed that rescue operations were immediately initiated.
Resumption of Search Efforts
The GNR soldiers were part of the Helitron Transported Teams of the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit, tasked with initial fire interventions. The helicopter was returning to its base in Armamar after assisting in a rural fire. Search operations will resume at dawn, with ongoing efforts along the riverbanks to locate the missing soldier, as there is hope he may still be alive.
"We will not rest until we find our comrade who is missing," assured Commander Silva Lampreia of the Navy.
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