President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attended the funerals of the victims of the tragic helicopter crash in Douro. The crash, which occurred on Friday, claimed the lives of five GNR military personnel who were returning from a firefighting mission.

President’s Condolences

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his deep condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragedy. He emphasized the selflessness and sacrifice of the military personnel who were on a mission that had not yet ended. The President, along with the President of the Assembly of the Republic and the Prime Minister, made efforts to attend all the funeral ceremonies, which were held in various distant locations.

The forest firefighting helicopter crashed into the Douro River near the town of Samodães, Lamego. The helicopter was carrying a pilot and a team of five military personnel from the Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit (UEPC) who were returning from a fire in the municipality of Baião. The pilot was rescued alive with only minor injuries.