In a statement to the media at the end of the Council of Ministers meeting, alongside Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas, who joined the latter part of the meeting, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro praised the swift response of emergency services.
“This quick response saved lives and, above all, prevented the tragedy from becoming even more extensive and devastating,” he stated at the official residence in São Bento.
Regarding ongoing investigations, the Prime Minister announced that “all details of the efforts made and that are underway will be provided today by the national director of the Polícia Judiciária, the president of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, the executive director of the National Health Service, and the head of the Office of Prevention and Investigation of Air and Rail Accidents.”
“TAP has also offered to support the transport of relatives, both nationals and foreigners outside our country, and to repatriate the injured and transport the bodies of deceased victims,” he added.
Montenegro mentioned that the Institute of Registration and Notary will provide a team in Lisbon to expedite death registrations and ensure prioritized service.
“The Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences is tirelessly working to complete all autopsies as quickly as possible and ensure the swift delivery of bodies to grieving families,” he further noted.
The Prime Minister conveyed that the government is in contact with the families of both local and foreign victims, mainly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “whenever the identificationof individuals and nationalities is confirmed.”
“This tragic accident affecting our country transcends borders and is a sorrow that has no nationality,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the solidarity and condolences conveyed by various EU heads of government and state, including the President of the European Council, former Prime Minister António Costa, and the Presidents of the European Commission and European Parliament.
[Updated at 14:16]
