Portuguese Socialist Leader Offers Condolences to Families of Fallen Soldiers

Pedro Nuno Santos, the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party, has offered his condolences to the families of the military personnel who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash while battling a wildfire in northern Portugal. The incident occurred on the Douro River, near the town of Samodães, where the helicopter carrying a pilot and a team of five soldiers from the Portuguese Special Operations Unit (UEPS) crashed. The helicopter, operated by HTA Helicopters, was returning from a fire in the neighboring municipality of Baião. While the pilot survived with minor injuries, four soldiers have been confirmed dead, with one still missing. Santos expressed his deepest sympathy for the fallen soldiers and their families, highlighting their dedication to fighting wildfires and protecting the safety of Portuguese citizens. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Portuguese Aviation and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office (GPIAAF).