Helicopter Crash in Northern Portugal Leaves Four Dead, One Missing

A helicopter returning from a firefighting mission crashed into the River Douro in northern Portugal, resulting in four deaths and one person missing. The pilot survived with leg fractures. Authorities are conducting underwater searches to find the missing person and determine the cause of the accident.

At least four people died and one was reported missing after a helicopter returning from a firefighting mission crashed into the River Douro in northern Portugal on Friday, according to authorities.

The pilot was rescued alive by a tourism boat near the crash site and transported to a hospital with leg fractures. The helicopter was carrying five specialists from the Emergency Protection and Relief Unit when it went down in the Lamego area, officials said.

"Two bodies were found inside the aircraft while another two were located near the broken tail section," reported Rui Silva Lampreia, commander of the Douro Harbour Authority. Rescue teams are conducting underwater searches around the helicopter and on the river banks, he added.

The cause of the incident remains unknown. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who visited the crash site, declared Saturday a national day of mourning.

Dozens of first responders, maritime police, divers, and two Air Force helicopters continued to work in the river as the search and rescue operations progressed.

(With inputs from agencies.)