CDS cancels agenda and reiterates condolences to families of victims of helicopter crash in Douro River

This Sunday, the president of the CDS-PP confirmed his deep sorrow to the families of the five GNR soldiers killed in the helicopter crash in the Douro, and announced that the party would be represented at the funeral by Telmo Correia.

“The SDS-PP will be represented by Telmo Corea, as well as national leader Helder Amaral, while Telmo Correia will also be governor. The SDS in the government will be represented by a prime minister,” he announced at the entrance to the AgroSemana. – Feira Agricola do Norte in Póvoa de Varzim, Porto district, whose visit, like Agrival’s to Penafiel, was cancelled.

“Both visits were cancelled, anything else would have been unacceptable, a moment of deep pain, today the funerals of the Polish People’s Republic soldiers who died in battle and in public service are taking place, I think this is a sign of respect,” he said.

Following the incident, which left five NTC soldiers dead, the centrists have already announced that they will postpone their political “comeback” for 15 days, which was due to begin this Saturday.

While refusing to answer any questions about the 2025 state budget, the SDF leader and defense minister reiterated his “deep regret,” while once again thanking the operatives who took part in the searches.

“I reiterate once again my deep regret and sincere feelings for the families of these soldiers who gave their lives in the performance of public service. I also express great solidarity with the National Republican Guard in this moment of pain and, obviously, I leave to the operatives of many organizations, coordinated by the Marine Police, my gratitude because they were incomparable,” he said.

A forest firefighting helicopter crashed into the Douro River on Friday near the town of Samodaines, Lamego, carrying a pilot and a group of five soldiers from the Emergency Protection and Assistance Unit (UEPC) who were returning from a fire in the municipality of Bayão.

The pilot of the plane was rescued alive, having suffered only minor injuries.

The bodies of four NTC soldiers were also found on Friday. A fifth was found on Saturday afternoon after an intensive search at the site.

The causes of the accident are not yet known.

The Portuguese government agency, the Directorate for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Rail Accidents (GPIAAF), has a team on the ground and is investigating the accident.

The funeral of four of the five NTC soldiers killed in the helicopter crash into the Douro River will take place this Sunday.