Four bodies confirmed; one still missing
A firefighting helicopter crashed late this morning into the River Douro, killing at least four of the six people on board.
At the outset five people were reported missing following the crash, in the area of Peso da Régua (see update below).
The pilot was quickly recovered alive, albeit with some injuries.
This information was confirmed by SIC Notícias, in touch with the Douro Sub-regional Command (CDOS), which was initially under the impression that this was a tragedy involving a touristic helicopter.
It wasn’t. It was a firefighting helicopter with six men onboard.
According to CentroTV, the helicopter was carrying young GNR UEPs (unit of emergency protection) operatives, involved in firefighting in Lamego.
The aircraft is submerged; diving teams working.
It was media station Porto Canal that has described the pilot’s injuries as “polytraumatic”. It has since been confirmed that his survival is not at risk, and that his injuries are not that severe.
The Régua and Lamego Volunteer Fire Brigades and an immediate life support unit (SIV) from Lamego were instantly called to the scene, as well as a helicopter from Viseu and an emergency and resuscitation medical vehicle from Vila Real.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority was also rapidly scrambled. Since then up to 140 operatives have arrived at the scene, backed by sundry vehicles and various boats.
The alert came through at 12.30pm.
Updates: four bodies have now been confirmed as located – meaning one is still unaccounted for.
Prime minister Luís Montenegro travelled to the spot and has been meeting with the families of the GNR agents involved. Minister for Interior Administration Margarida Blasco is also present.
The presence of family members of the GNR military was requested shortly after the dimensions of this tragedy became clear. Teams of psychologists are also on hand.
Right now, the causes of this tragedy are not being addressed. What is most important is to find the missing men, all of whom are local, and aged between 29 and 45.
According to television reports, the helicopter is an Écureuil model AS350, operated by HTA Helicópteros, based in Loulé, Algarve. It was reportedly “returning to Armamar, in the district of Viseu, after taking part in fighting the fire in Tabuaço.
“It was carrying five GNR military who have the job of assembling the helicopter’s bucket and then staying on the ground to help fight the blaze near the area where the water is discharged”, writes SIC.
The helicopter had an operating radius of 35 kilometres and a range of one and a half hours, adds the station, which adds that it had a form of ‘black box’ inside it, which when recovered, should help explain how this tragedy happened. ND
