Post by robeiae on Jun 18, 2017 8:29:55 GMT -5
www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40316934
A horrible tragedy, obviously. I hope they contain the fires before there are more fatalities.
A catastrophic forest fire in Portugal has claimed at least 62 lives, including four children, officials say.
Most died while trying to flee the Pedrógão Grande area, 50 km (30 miles) south-east of Coimbra, in their cars, according to the government.
Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze, which has spread across several fronts.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa called it "the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in terms of forest fires".
The death toll could rise further as many people remain missing, he warned. The authorities have declared three days of national mourning, starting on Sunday.
Most died while trying to flee the Pedrógão Grande area, 50 km (30 miles) south-east of Coimbra, in their cars, according to the government.
Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze, which has spread across several fronts.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa called it "the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in terms of forest fires".
The death toll could rise further as many people remain missing, he warned. The authorities have declared three days of national mourning, starting on Sunday.
A horrible tragedy, obviously. I hope they contain the fires before there are more fatalities.