A raging blaze has struck through central Portugal, leaving 61 people killed and dozens more injured in what officials there labelled as the "greatest wildfire tragedy of recent years."
At least 54 people were injured in the blaze Saturday, including eight firefighters and a child. Four of the firefighters were in grave condition Sunday, according to Paulo Santos, an operations and emergencies official with the National Relief Operations Command in Lisbon.
The government has declared three days of mourning to pay tribute to victims who lost their lives.
The head of Portugal's judiciary police said to the reporters the fire was sparked by natural causes.
"We have been able to determine that the origin of the fire was caused by dry thunderstorms," José Maria Almeida Rodrigues said, according to the Portuguese state-run news agency Lusa. …show more content…
The blaze reached the Pedrógão Grande community on Saturday, forcing residents to escape. Pedrógão Grande is about 120 miles north of
At least 54 people were injured in the blaze Saturday, including eight firefighters and a child. Four of the firefighters were in grave condition Sunday, according to Paulo Santos, an operations and emergencies official with the National Relief Operations Command in Lisbon.
The government has declared three days of mourning to pay tribute to victims who lost their lives.
The head of Portugal's judiciary police said to the reporters the fire was sparked by natural causes.
"We have been able to determine that the origin of the fire was caused by dry thunderstorms," José Maria Almeida Rodrigues said, according to the Portuguese state-run news agency Lusa. …show more content…
The blaze reached the Pedrógão Grande community on Saturday, forcing residents to escape. Pedrógão Grande is about 120 miles north of