Summary:
Hundreds attended the funeral for fallen military personnel in Lamego.
High-ranking officials, including the President and Prime Minister, were in attendance.
A religious ceremony presided over by Bishop António Couto took place.
The helicopter crash occurred during a firefighting mission in the Douro River.
Investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Hundreds Gather to Honor Fallen Soldiers
Today, hundreds of people attended the funeral ceremonies in Lamego for two of the five military personnel who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Douro River. Among the attendees were prominent state figures, including the President of the Republic, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, and the Prime Minister.
The General Commander of the GNR, Lieutenant Colonel Rui Ribeiro Veloso, was present from the early hours to support the families, and he is set to accompany the remaining state-honored funerals.
A Show of Solidarity
The Santa Cruz Church in Lamego was filled with family and friends of the fallen members of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR). Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and President of the Assembly Aguiar Branco arrived in quick succession, without making statements to the press.
Religious Ceremony
The religious ceremony, led by Bishop António Couto, included various civil and military entities, as well as political representatives who traveled from across the country to pay their respects.
Community Support
Outside the church, near the Special Operations Forces (FOE) barracks, colleagues from the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit (UEPS) and hundreds of locals gathered in solidarity.
Ongoing Funeral Services
Later today, a third funeral will take place in Sande, and simultaneously, a fourth will occur in Rua, Moimenta da Beira. The fifth soldier's funeral will be held on Monday in Castro Daire. The Prime Minister is also expected to attend the Castro Daire service at 16:00.
A Nation in Mourning
Earlier in Aveiro, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences to the families and communities, emphasizing the importance of the soldiers' contributions during their mission, which was sadly cut short.
Details of the Incident
The helicopter, which was combating forest fires, crashed into the Douro River near Samodães, Lamego, while transporting a pilot and five military personnel returning from a fire in Baião. The pilot survived with minor injuries, while the bodies of four soldiers were found on the same day, with the fifth located the following afternoon after extensive searches.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, and the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) is currently conducting an investigation.
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