AVELAR: A forest fire in central Portugal claimed over 62 lives, charring several of them in their cars as they attempted to flee. A massive wall of thick smoke and bright red flames towered over trees in forested Pedrogao Grande, a little over 150 km northeast of Lisbon where a lightning strike is believed to have triggered the blaze.
Like most southern European countries, Portugal is prone to forest fires in dry summer months. “The dimensions of this fire have caused a human tragedy beyond any in our memory,?” said PM Antonio Costa. Over 350 soldiers joined 700 firefighters struggling to put out the monster fire. Interior Ministry official Jorge Gomes said firefighting crews were having difficulties battling the fire, which was “very intense” in at least two of its four fronts. He said authorities were worried about strong winds that could spread the blaze further. Giving an insight into the grim situation at hand, Gomes said at least 30 people died inside their cars as they tried to flee between the towns of Figueiro dos Vinhos and Castanheira de Pera. He said 17 others died right outside their cars or by the road, 11 died in the forest, and two died in a car accident related to the fire. Information on other deaths remained pending.
The European Union stated it had activated its civil protection efforts responding to a call for assistance by Portuguese authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the country on the 24th of this month, condoled the loss of lives. “Sad to learn of tragic loss of lives in the forest fire in Portugal. Deepest condolences to the people on this tragedy.”
