TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A raging wildfire killed 57 people and injured dozens more in Portugal, with some victims burned to death in their cars as they tried to flee, officials said.
At least 59 people were injured in the blaze Saturday, including four firefighters and a child. Some were hospitalized in serious condition Sunday, CNN affiliate TVI reported.
Some victims got stuck in their cars and on the side of the road in what officials described as the “greatest wildfire tragedy of recent years.”
The blaze spread Saturday onto Pedrogao Grande town, forcing residents to try and leave the town to escape towering flames.
“Many cars could not get out and people burned to death inside their cars,” Interior Minister official Jorge Gomes told the CNN affiliate.
Firefighters were still fighting the flames Sunday.
The municipality’s president, Valdemar Alves, said there were areas “completely surrounded” by the blaze and not enough firefighters to battle the flames.
“The violence of this fire was such that I am certain many people have died,” Alves told TVI. “I am shocked with this death toll.”
Authorities said the number of victims may rise as firefighters inspect the villages affected.
Full story: tasnimnews.com
Tasnim News Agency
+ There are no comments
Add yours