Jump directly to the content
Latest
CHOPPER HORROR

At least two killed after firefighting helicopter crashes into river in Portugal in front of horrified tourists

A search operation is underway

AT least two people have been killed after a firefighting helicopter crashed into a river in Portugal as horrified tourists watched on.

The chopper pilot was rescued but three out of the six passengers onboard are still missing.

Five people are missing after a helicopter crashed into the Douro river in Portugal
5
Five people are missing after a helicopter crashed into the Douro river in PortugalCredit: Twitter / @PortoCanalpt
A search and rescue operation is ongoing and military personnel are assisting
5
A search and rescue operation is ongoing and military personnel are assistingCredit: X/SICNoticias

The bodies of the two men who died were found inside the helicopter which is underwater in the Douro river in Cambres near the city of Lamego.

Although police initially said the helicopter pilot had suffered only minor injuries, subsequent reports said he had sustained broken lower limbs.

He remains in hospital and his injuries are not life-threatening.

The search effort for the remaining three passengers is ongoing both underwater and on the banks of the River Duoro.

read more on helicopters

Local reports say the police and members of an emergency protection and help unit of the GPR police force called the UEPS.

The alarm was raised around 12.30pm this afternoon.

The search and rescue operation includes resources from the maritime police, firefighters, divers, fishing boats and GNR (National Republican Guard) military personnel assisting.

GNR chief Mafalda Gomes de Almeida earlier confirmed the only person rescued so far is the helicopter pilot.

A spokesman for GNR said before the two bodies were found: “The search is continuing in the river for the five members of the UEPS who are still missing.

“Maritime police, firefighters, divers, recreational boats and GNR military personnel are involved.

“The causes of the accident are as yet unknown.

“The pilot of the helicopter was rescued alive with minor injuries.”

The chopper had been tackling a fire in Baiao near to the crash scene when it went down.

Only the pilot has been rescued so far
5
Only the pilot has been rescued so farCredit: Twitter / @SICNoticias
Six people were believed to have been onboard the chopper
5
Six people were believed to have been onboard the chopperCredit: X/SICNoticias
The crash happened in the Douro river in Northern Portugal
5
The crash happened in the Douro river in Northern PortugalCredit: Alamy
Topics