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

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.

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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.

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.

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Alamy