Fátima hosts 11th Helmet Blessing pilgrimage amid serious motorcycle accident

The 11th edition of the 'Bênção dos Capacetes' (Helmet Blessing) pilgrimage is taking place at the Sanctuary of Fátima, featuring simultaneous celebrations in the Madeira and Azores archipelagos to accommodate riders from the islands. The event attracts thousands of motorcyclists from Portugal and abroad, including participants from Spain, France, and Germany.

On the morning of the event, a serious collision occurred on the EN 226 road in Leomil, Moimenta da Beira, involving three motorcycles and a light goods vehicle. Three motorcyclists were critically injured in the accident; two were taken to Vila Real Hospital, while the third was airlifted to Viseu Hospital. Emergency services, including 27 responders and an INEM helicopter, attended the scene, and the road was closed to traffic to facilitate assistance.